Indian Wedding Traditions – A Harmonious Legacy

India – A land of Heritage

India is one of those countries in the world that has that has the oldest civilization as its ancestral source. Its society is steeped in traditions of rituals and customs that people here have been following for centuries in every aspect of life. A rich heritage have been preserved and handed down for generations across millions of homes in the country to follow.

Indian Wedding Traditions

Among all the aspects of Indian life weddings is an important one. Over the years of its growth India has been subjected to the dominance of various cultures and customs. Out of these India has evolved in one of those societies that are a beautiful blend of rituals especially when it comes to Indian wedding traditions.

Aspects of Indian Wedding Traditions

There are several aspects of Indian traditions that vary from that of other countries. In many countries across the world there are mixed societies but there are very few countries where societal features so many variations within its society. The legacy of India is such that all such societies have become an integral part of the socio – cultural fabric of the country. Another interesting aspect of Indian wedding traditions is that customs and rituals also differ within the same religion but in different parts of the country.

Main Religions of Indian Society

India is a secular country that fundamentally allows all religions equal right of practice. The following are the names of the religions of which there are substantial followings in the country.

• Hinduism
• Islam
• Christianity
• Sikhism
• Buddhism
• Jainism
• Zoroastrianism

Major Communities in India

There is certain difference that exists in Indian society on the basis of regions and communities. The culture, traditions and customs followed by different communities make them different from one another. The difference of their wedding traditions set them apart from one another even within the same religion. Here are a few names of major communities in India that are marked by their individual wedding traditions. In the western part of India there are different rituals between communities in Gujarat and Maharashtra and both are different from that followed in Goa. Similarly in the north of India traditions of Punjab and Haryana are varied from those followed in Uttar Pradesh. In the east traditional wedding rituals followed in Bihar are different from those of neighboring west Bengal and both are different from those followed in Manipur and Nagaland in the North East part of India. South India too has different customs between states like Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu even when it comes to followers of the same religion.