________________
Kanya Aagman | Arrival of the Bride
The priest calls for Neeti to enter. She is escorted by her siblings and maternal uncles to ensure she is protected as she enters.
Mangalastak | Eight-fold Prayers
The priest recites Mangalastak (eight-fold prayers) to invite the divine to witness the marriage and to protect the bride and groom. The couple's first meeting is marked by the exchange of garlands that symbolize their acceptance and love for each other. Neeti garlands Alex first. By doing so, she declares that she has chosen the groom of her own free will. Alex returns the compliment by offering a garland as a welcome to a new life.
Mangal Tilak Forehead Mark The priest places a kanku (sandalwood mark) on the foreheads of Neeti, Alex, Neeti's parents and on himself. A Rakshapotli (sacred red thread specially prepared and blessed prior to the wedding day) is tied around the wrists of Neeti, Alex, and their parents as an offering of peaceful wishes.
Abhisheka Blessings from the Priest The priest takes holy water in the pointed part of a betel leaf and anoints the heads of the bride and groom. This offering symbolizes peace and happiness through the calm flow of water. The prayer offered binds Neeti and Alex together in an eternal bond.
Kanya Daan Entrusting the Bride to the Groom
Neeti's parents perform the ritual of entrusting their daughter to the care of the groom through a symbolic gesture of rice flowing from their hands through Neeti's hands and into Alex's hands. Neeti's parents ask Alex to treat their daughter as a loving and equal partner. Alex promises to love and respect Neeti throughout his life. Neeti's parents wrap the varmala (hand woven cord) around the couple to unite them and to protect them from evil influences.
