The wedding Ceremony is held generally at night, on a date and time which is deemed auspicious by the priest - after duly consulting almanacs and the horoscopes of the prospective partners. The wedding is preceded by a series of related ceremonies such as Sangeet -a gathering of family and friends to sing and dance- and Mehendi at the Groom’s residence. The wedding takes place at the bride's house. The groom comes to the bride's house riding a horse in royal style in a procession which is called "Barat". He carries the ceremonial sword which is considered a sign of his bravery and valour.
Before the wedding day, the groom’s family sends bridal wear, jewelry and other accessories to the bride’s family that form part of the custom called Palla Dastoor. In a Pithi ceremony, the bride wears a dazzling orange traditional costume and is made to sit in an open courtyard, with four women from her clan holding a silken canopy supported by swords over her head. Other ladies from the family then apply turmeric and sandalwood paste on the bride and bathe her to the accompaniment of ceremonial chants by the priest.

 Prior to the Barat, the groom’s sister applies henna on his hand, and thereafter a Haldi ceremony marked with cheerful dancing, singing and general fervour takes place. The bridal procession is total fun and enjoyment for those participating.
The bride's mother welcomes the groom with Aarti and by sprinkling rosewater and flower petals as they enter. The bride's family members go all out to look after the guests. The marriage rituals take place later when the "Barat" reaches the bride's house.
For the Wedding, a Mandap -a sort of elaborately decorated covered area- is erected, and a "Havan" -sacred fire for sanctity and purification- is lit . The bride is decked in gold and brocade, with thickly hennaed palms and feet. The bride keeps her face covered during the marriage ceremony. The Pundit (priest), thereafter, solemnizes the marriage by reciting and getting the couple to recite Vedic hymns and making the couple circumvent the holy fire seven times . This ritual make a groom solemnize his duty towards his wife and acquaints the bride about her duty towards her husband.
This is followed by feasting on exotic traditional cuisine in royal grandeur, merry making, music and cultural dance performances.

LEGAL ASPECTS OF FOREIGNERS MARRYING IN INDIA

In India the marriage must take place in accordance with the Indian Law of Marriages.

For Christians or mixed marriages the marriage MUST be performed under the provisions of the Special Marriage Act 1954, this covers civil marriages and those conducted at a Church. Persons can get married either by licence or publication of banns. Baptismal certificates are required for Church marriages.

The main requirements for marriages in India are:

1. The male ought to have reached the age of twenty-one years and the female the age of eighteen;

2. Neither party must have a spouse living;

3. Residence in the District for a period of not less than thirty days immediately preceding the date on which the notice of intended marriage is given.

For a civil marriage the Government of India appointed Registrar of Marriages would be contacted.

For those who seek to get married according to Hindu or Sikh rites, marriage must be registered under the provisions of the Hindu Marriage Act 1955. For this purpose also the Government of India appointed Registrar of Marriages in the District would be contacted. The age limit is the same as for those getting married under the Special Marriage Act 1954.

Unlike births and deaths, there is no provision for registration of marriages at your High Commissions.

There is no provision for acquisition of citizenship through marriage where the couples are living overseas.