Var Mala

Indian wedding ceremonies today are a lavish affair, characterized with great pomp and gaiety, thanks to the infliction of commercialization. Right from lavish and stupendous Decor to sumptuous feasts and extravagant outfits and jewelry, weddings have become resplendent celebrations. However, the main essence of the festival, that is, the rituals and customs performed have managed to remain intact. 


The bride and the groom are mostly dressed in traditional Indian wear. While the bride wears ethnic Indian sari or lehenga and is adored with sparkling jewelry, the groom flaunts a traditional sherwani with a saffa or turban on his head.

Decription Of Var Mala
Talking about the wedding day functions, var mala or jai mala is one of most significant rituals that are performed. Var mala is a garland made out fresh flowers. Colorful and exotic looking, in the preset times, var mala is also made of artificial flowers. While the tradition of var mala is practiced in all the parts of India, the garland used varies from region to region. The var mala used in southern part of India is extremely heavy and long in size, as compared to ones used in North India. Red roses are the most picked choice for wedding garlands, though you can even go for orchids, carnations, and so on. 

Var Mala Ceremony
Following the reception of the baraat, the groom is then taken to an elevated stage in the wedding place, where the var mala ritual is performed. While he is on the stage, the bride enters the wedding place escorted with her sisters and friends. She is then made to stand next to the bridegroom. 

It is here that the ritual of var mala is performed. The bride and the groom exchange their flower garland, by putting it around each other's neck. Var mala carries an important significance and implies mutual acceptance of both the bride and the groom towards each other, as future husband and wife.

Var mala is one of the occasions, when fun and frolic completely dominates the wedding scene. Mostly, the male relatives of the groom lift him, so that the bride is not able to put the var mala around his neck. At this, the male members of the bride even lift the bride and the two groups try to dissuade each other. 

According to the traditions, the bride first put the garland around the neck of the groom. After her successful attempt, it is the turn of the groom to try his luck. The lifts are mainly done to bring in the element of fun. It adds a chuckle and smile on the face of both the bride and the groom.

MANDAP

Today, Hindu weddings are celebrated on a large canvas. People are mostly influenced by the lavish portrayal of wedding ceremonies in Hindi movies. The Indian wedding normally is a four to five days affair and each day has a special significance and role. Just like the pre wedding functions such as sangeet, mehendi and engagement are celebrated in a grand manner, so is the main day wedding. These are also celebrated on a grand scale with lots of glitz 
and opulence.

Indian Wedding Mandap
In a traditional Indian wedding, the main day function is usually held at the bride's place. However, these days, garden areas, parks and farm houses are mostly preferred, as wedding venues. These open spaces are not only big but also pose to be the ideal location. 

The place where most of the wedding ceremony is held is a colorful and beautifully decorated mandap. Mandap can be explained as a canopy that is supported by four pillars. It is the stage for the wedding function. The mandap is mostly decorated in a traditional way and reflects the theme of the marriage. It is in the mandap that all the marriage rituals are performed.

As a sign of prosperity, the mandap is mostly adored in red and golden color. The four pillars of the mandap symbolize the parents of both the bride and groom. The pillars portray the vital role that both the parents have played, in bringing up their children and guiding them in time of need and despair. The wedding ceremony takes place in front of the sacred fire in the mandap, which is a witness to the wedding ceremony. According to Hindu tradition and custom all Hindu weddings should take place in mandap or canopy.

Mandap Decor Ideas

• Mandap is one of the most decorative places in the wedding area. It is the place, where all main day rituals and customs are performed. Right from the saat phere to the kanyadaan, everything is performed in the mandap.
• Flowers form the main decorative element on the canopy or the mandap. All the four pillars of the mandap are aesthetically decorated with a combination of flowers. Mostly, roses, marigold and daisies make the ideal combination of floral Decor. You can also go for seasonal flowers that are available during that time.
• Decorative kalash are the next best bet for the mandap Decor. Intricately designed, kalash give ethnic and traditional look to the place. You can go for painted ones, ones that are embellished with mirrors or even those that have beautiful stone designs.
• Drapes are a good option to explore. Adhere to your wedding theme or color code while choosing the drapes. There are umpteen options, however, in case you are looking for something traditional, bandhani would make a perfect choice. Use the drapes strategically to accentuate the look of the mandap.
• Lights would suit the best when it comes to mandap Decor. Apart from enhancing the look of the Decor, these would also be extremely useful in adding more light to the area. Lights become quintessential, if the mahurat is at night fall, in an open space.
• Adoring the mandap with bells definitely augments the beauty of the place and adds creativity and excitement to it. The best place to put the bells would be at the four pillars. Hang them from the roof of the canopy at the four ends is also a good option to explore.