The father of the bride then came and sat down on a chair. His daughter than sat on his lap (a Brahmin practice symbolizing giving the daughter away) as more rituals were performed, including the groom placing gold necklaces and special leaves on the top of the bride’s head and more gold necklaces around her neck. While a special necklace similar akin to a Western wedding ring was placed around her neck, guests came up to the stage and threw flower petals on the couple. Flowers around his feet, the groom then bowed down to the bride, holding her right hand as he placed married toe rings on her feet.
The couple then walked in a circle around the fire, taking solemn oaths of loyalty, steadfast love, and life-long fidelity to each other. Back around the fire, puffed rice was pl
aced in the hands of the bride, with the groom cupping his hands over hers. The rice was then placed into the fire. The couple then made additional circles around the fire, signifying the legalization of the marriage. Following this, a marriage knot was created by tying one end of the groom’s scarf with the bride’s sari. Seven steps were taken representing nourishment, strength, prosperity, happiness, progeny, long life, as well as harmony and understanding. Stepping off the stage, the new couple was sprinkled with water by the wedding guests. On a smaller stage the new couple began another round of wedding photos (this had taken place the night before as well), posing with family members and guests.
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