Gujarati Bride & Groom Wedding: A Royal Celebration of Culture and Love
Gujarati Bride and Groom Wedding: Ek Rangin Parampara Ka Jashn
When we talk about Indian weddings, Gujarati shaadis always stand out — full of colors, energy, music, food, and rich traditions. Gujarati weddings aren’t just a one-day affair, they’re an experience — a beautiful blend of culture, rituals, joy, and love.
This article will take you on a journey through a traditional Gujarati wedding — from pre-wedding rituals to the final Vidaai, focusing on both bride and groom’s customs, outfits, emotions, and everything in between.
🪔 1. Introduction to Gujarati Wedding Culture
Gujarati weddings are rooted in ancient traditions, yet they’re open to modern twists. Whether it's the dhol, the garba, or the vibrant fashion — every element has its own flavor.
Gujarati weddings are mostly based on Hindu Vedic rituals, especially for communities like Patel, Lohana, Jain, and Baniya. Though every family adds its own style, the core rituals remain the same — full of blessings, symbolism, and love.
🧡 2. Pre-Wedding Rituals: The Celebration Begins Early
💐 Chandlo Matli
This is usually the roka or official engagement. The bride’s father puts a "chandlo" (red circle) on the groom’s forehead and gives matli (a pot or box of sweets and gifts), symbolizing acceptance.
🎨 Ganesh Sthapan and Mandap Mahurat
Before the wedding rituals begin, Lord Ganesh is worshipped to remove all obstacles. This happens in both the bride and groom’s homes.
🌿 Mehendi and Sangeet
Bride’s hands and feet are adorned with beautiful mehendi designs — often including the groom’s initials. Sangeet night is full of singing, dancing, and garba, where both families celebrate together.
🌾 Pithi Ceremony
A yellow turmeric paste is applied to the bride and groom — it's believed to purify and bless them. It’s fun, messy, and full of laughter!
👰 3. The Gujarati Bride: Look, Attire & Rituals
👗 Bride’s Outfit (Panetar and Gharchola)
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Panetar: A white and red saree, gifted by her maternal uncle.
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Gharchola: A red saree with zari work, given by the groom’s family.
Many modern brides now choose lehenga choli with traditional embroidery, but Panetar remains iconic.
💎 Jewelry
Gujarati brides wear gold jewelry, sometimes passed down generations. Popular pieces include mangtikka, chooda, nathni, kamarbandh, and payal.
🙏 Bride’s Rituals
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Kanyadaan: Bride’s father gives her hand to the groom.
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Hasta Milap: The bride and groom’s scarves are tied, symbolizing union.
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Saptapadi: Seven steps around the holy fire, each with a vow.
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Sindoor and Mangalsutra: The groom applies sindoor and ties the mangalsutra — marking the bride’s new journey.
🤵 4. The Gujarati Groom: Style, Entry & Traditions
🕴️ Groom’s Outfit
Traditionally, the groom wears a sherwani or dhoti-kurta with a safa (turban) and sometimes a dupattā. Today’s grooms love experimenting with Indo-western styles too.
🎊 Baraat and Groom’s Entry
One of the most energetic parts of a Gujarati wedding is the Baraat. The groom arrives on a horse, or sometimes in a luxury car, dancing with his friends and family to dhol beats.
At the entrance, the bride’s mother performs an aarti, then playfully tries to pull his nose — symbolizing that he is humbly asking for her daughter’s hand.
🔥 Groom’s Rituals
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Jaimala: Exchanging garlands.
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Madhuparka: Groom’s feet are washed, and he drinks a sweet drink offered by the bride’s father.
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Pheras and Saptapadi: Core of the wedding, performed around the sacred fire with Vedic mantras.
💃 5. Post-Wedding Customs
🍛 Reception
Usually held the next day, the reception is more modern — with lavish décor, photography, dancing, and a grand meal.
😢 Vidaai
A very emotional ritual where the bride bids farewell to her family. Gujarati brides often throw rice behind her as she steps out — symbolizing prosperity she's leaving behind.
🙏 Ghar Nu Lakshmi
When the bride enters the groom’s home, she’s welcomed as Ghar ki Lakshmi (goddess of prosperity). She knocks a vessel of rice with her right foot — a traditional way to symbolize abundance and happiness entering the home.
🥰 6. Modern Touch in Gujarati Weddings
Today’s Gujarati weddings beautifully combine heritage and contemporary taste. Brides and grooms now:
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Add destination weddings in Udaipur or Goa.
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Use wedding planners for décor, photography, and coordination.
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Prefer personalized rituals like couple dance, hashtag boards, and digital invitations.
Still, amidst all the glamour, the soul of the wedding lies in the blessings, values, and togetherness.
🪔 Conclusion: More Than Just a Wedding
A Gujarati wedding is not just a ceremony — it's a celebration of unity, traditions, love, and family bonds. From the laughter-filled pithi to the emotional vidaai, every moment is crafted with love and culture.
For the bride and groom, it's not just the beginning of married life — it's a vibrant journey where two families become one.
Want to plan your own Gujarati-style wedding or include some of these beautiful rituals in yours? Don’t forget — it’s the emotions and meaning behind every tradition that truly make it memorable.
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