The , or the act of walking around the fire, is one of the most sacred rituals in an Indian wedding. The couple holds hands and walks around the fire seven times, with each round representing a stage of their relationship. The seven vows taken during this ritual are aimed at fostering a deep and lasting bond between the couple.

While arranged marriages were the norm, modern couples often date first. However, the formal commitment ceremony is still vital.

The Vibrant Tapestry of Indian Wedding Traditions An Indian wedding is far more than a single day of celebration; it is a multi-day extravaganza that weaves together ancient rituals, deep familial bonds, and a riot of color. While customs vary significantly across India's diverse regions, most weddings share a core sequence of events that transform the union of two people into the joining of two families. Pre-Wedding: Setting the Stage