One of the most important rituals in Indian wedding is exchanging garlands between bride and groom. A lot of stories in Hindu mythology speaks about the significance of the ritual and a wedding is considered to be incomplete until the exchange of garlands happens.
Wedding garlands usually burn a huge hole in your pockets as it is considered to be expensive. The garlands of both bride and groom are usually made of fresh and blossomed flowers that creates quite a visual impact on the audience. Adding some attractive additions such as beads and crystals make the garlands look unique and elegant. The exchange of garlands ritual is filled with enormous amount of joy, love, and laughter.
When the bride and groom exchange garlands, they are usually lifted on the shoulders of their maternal uncles and the couple chooses to declare that “Let all the persons present here know, we are accepting each other willingly, voluntarily and pleasantly. Our hearts are concordant and united like waters.”
The exchange of garlands ritual not only brings smile, joy, and laughter to the married couple but also to the people surrounding them during this ritual. Even as time passes, the thread never leaves the flowers even when they lose their charm. As in the same way, the married couple promises never to leave each other even during difficult times in life and live with mutual understanding and love.