ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Hindu wedding

When a boy and a girl fall in love and decide to get married, they might choose to have a Hindu wedding.

In a Hindu wedding, there are lots of special traditions and rituals that help to make the wedding day extra special and meaningful.

One of the first things that happens is the "roka" ceremony. This is where the boy and girl's families meet and formally agree that the boy and girl will get married.

Then comes the "engagement" ceremony, where the boy and girl exchange rings and promise to marry each other.

Before the wedding day, there is a "mehendi" ceremony where henna designs are applied to the bride's hands and feet.

On the wedding day, the bride and groom get ready separately with help from their family members. The bride usually wears a beautiful red or gold outfit, while the groom wears a suit or traditional Indian attire.

The wedding ceremony takes place under a special canopy called a "mandap." There are four pillars representing the four parents, and the bride and groom sit in the middle. During the ceremony, the priest recites prayers and blessings while the couple exchange vows and rings.

The couple also perform some traditional rituals, such as walking around the fire several times, which symbolizes their journey into marriage and the promises they make to each other.

Once the ceremony is done, there's usually a big party with dancing, singing, and lots of delicious food!

Overall, a Hindu wedding is a beautiful and special occasion that brings two families together to celebrate the love of two people who are getting married.