‘THE WEDDING BOOK’ by Shaili Shah

Thesis Abstract:

Weddings are one of the most significant and celebrated events in the Indian culture. With so many diverse communities in the country, every culture has a different way of executing a wedding. This thesis project is about the diversity with which every culture rejoices the festive affair that Indian weddings are. I have studied the various rituals performed during weddings.

Marriage is considered one of the most important events in one’s life. In the Indian context, the importance and sanctity of the institution of marriage can be gauged from the fact that several rituals are performed with utmost care and in accordance with ancient practices. The cultural diversity calls for a variety of customs and rituals, acutely followed in different Indian weddings. Any Indian wedding is an amalgamation of a number of preparations and occasions including the wedding rituals, bridal outfits, the décor and food. It is the fusion of elements such as these that constitute the essence of a traditional Indian wedding. However with all the superficial pomp and splendor, the core rituals that shape a marriage tend to get faded. This book aims to revive those rituals by making them lucid for those who wish to gain an understanding of them.