Participants
The Hindu wedding ceremony is conducted by a Hindu priest, who is a holy man. Priests traditionally come from the Brahmin caste and have studied in temples from a young age. The priest typically speaks the ceremony in Sanskrit and performs various blessings on the couple.
In addition to the priest, bride, and groom, traditional Hindu ceremonies also include both sets of parents, grandparents, and siblings. In the particular ceremony I studied, the primary participants will be the priest, bride, groom, and bride's parents. The groom's parents will also participate, to a lesser degree.
The bride and groom do not have any attendants in traditional Hindu ceremonies, but many modern ceremonies held in the United States have started to include this convention. In the particular ceremony I studied, the bride and groom have selected some close friends to share in the celebration the night before the wedding, but these "attendants" do not have a role in the actual ceremony.
The friends and family of the groom may choose to particpate in his baraat, or entry processional.
In addition to the priest, bride, and groom, traditional Hindu ceremonies also include both sets of parents, grandparents, and siblings. In the particular ceremony I studied, the primary participants will be the priest, bride, groom, and bride's parents. The groom's parents will also participate, to a lesser degree.
The bride and groom do not have any attendants in traditional Hindu ceremonies, but many modern ceremonies held in the United States have started to include this convention. In the particular ceremony I studied, the bride and groom have selected some close friends to share in the celebration the night before the wedding, but these "attendants" do not have a role in the actual ceremony.
The friends and family of the groom may choose to particpate in his baraat, or entry processional.
Guests
Hindu wedding ceremonies are huge celebrations! They often host hundreds of guests, serving as a time of celebration and reunion for distant family members and friends. Traditional ceremonies can last for many days, so the guests often act informally and walk around, talk, and eat during the ceremony.
The particular ceremony I studied will be much shorter and more formal. The guests can mill around and use the restrooms, but socialization during the ceremony will be kept to a minimum.
At traditional ceremonies, the guests either stand or sit on the floor. This is often due to space constraints, as traditional weddings are usually held in the bride's home. Many modern ceremonies, though, are held in hired halls and provide chairs for seating. This particular ceremony will be held at a casino and will provide ample seating.
The particular ceremony I studied will be much shorter and more formal. The guests can mill around and use the restrooms, but socialization during the ceremony will be kept to a minimum.
At traditional ceremonies, the guests either stand or sit on the floor. This is often due to space constraints, as traditional weddings are usually held in the bride's home. Many modern ceremonies, though, are held in hired halls and provide chairs for seating. This particular ceremony will be held at a casino and will provide ample seating.