Fried rice or popcorn is offered into the sacred fire (Hinduism.co.za). The marriage ceremony itself takes place at the Vedi, where banana tree trunks are decorated against the open sky. The boy and girl sit together on a wooden seat. Parents of the bride, groom, and two priests surround the couple. Vedic mantras are said throughout the ceremony (Mypurohith).

The sacred fire is a crucial part of the marriage ceremony, and begins the rites and ceremonies that make up the ceremony. The sacred fire provides a pure and spiritual atmosphere for the marriage (Hinduism.co.za). The boy and girl, tied together by the symbolic marriage knot, walk around the sacred fire seven times. Traditionally, the new marriage is not considered to be complete until the seventh round around the consecrated fire. Before this time, the marriage can be revoked (Mypurohith).

Samagree, a mixture of herbs, sandalwood, clarified butter, rice, twigs, and sugar is sprinkled into the sacred fire (Vivaaha.org). At the end of each round around the fire, the bride and groom step on a stone and pay that their love will be long-lasting, like the stone (Vivaaha.org). Several mantras, including the Achaman and Angasparsha mantras take place around the sacred fire (Hinduism.co.za).

The acceptance of the hand (Pani-Grahanam) is also part of the marriage ceremony proper. In this rite, the groom vows to protect the bride, and vows to live happily with his wife for their entire life (Hinduism.co.za).

The conclusion of the ceremony incorporates three main parts. The first is sprinkling of water, and meditation of the Pole star and sun. Food is offered to the sacred fire, and a benediction, or blessing, ends the ceremony (Hinduism.co.za). Kangana Khelna is another popular after-marriage ceremony, where milky water, color and Durba grass are placed in a dish. The bride and ring are both asked to pick out...

When the ceremony is over, the couple engages in other ceremonies. In the Grahapravesha ritual, the couple carries a sacred fire in a vessel to the groom's house, where he tells his bride "Enter with your right foot. Do not remain outside." They sit together silently until the stars can be seen (Vivaaha.org).
In conclusion, the sanctity of Hindu marriage is reflected in the elaborate traditions and rituals surrounding the marriage ceremony, pre-marriage, and after ceremony rituals. Hindu marriage is seen as both an important means to foster love for the entire extended family, and as a means of spiritual growth for the couple. As such, all aspects of the marriage ceremony are steep in tradition. This begins with the selection of the couple, which is done by parents or elders. The betrothal is a ritual that is considered a binding contract between families, and begins the traditions and ceremonies. These include the three main parts of the marriage ceremony itself: the pre-ceremony, the ceremony proper, and the conclusion of the ceremony. In these three parts, the traditions that are followed are detailed, sacred, and considered binding. The couple is thus bound by the elaborateness of the rituals, which serve as a reminder of the importance of the marriage both to their families and their own spiritual lives for the remainder of their union.

References

About.com. Ideals of a Hindu Marriage. Shri Gyan Rajhans. Accessed O. 3 October 2005. http://hinduism.about.com/library/weekly/aa111602a.htm

Hinduism.co.za. Marriage. Accessed O. 3 October 2005. http://www.hinduism.co.za/marriage.htm

Mypurohith. Hindu Marriage Ceremony. Accessed O. 3 October 2005. http://www.mypurohith.com/Matrimonials/Hindu_Marriage.asp

Vivaaha.org. Hindu Marriage Ceremony. Accessed O. 3 October 2005. http://www.vivaaha.org/newpage3.htm