Rituals
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Diwali
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Ganesh ChaturthiThis eleven day celebration is to honor the god, Ganesha. In this celebration, there are various decorated statues to represent Ganesha. People parade the streets singing, dancing, and walking through with Ganesha sculptures.
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Holi FestivalHoli is a very popular spring festival to celebrate the good and love in life. People celebrate by going out and celebrating with friends and families with all the vibrant colors. It is normal to get messy and wet. People usually end up with the powder all over their skin and body.
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Vivaah SamskarThe ceremony of marriage represents a transition from the first life. During the ceremony, both families celebrate to represent the merging of two different families. Usually the bride's family hosts the wedding to represent the groom's family as guest. The ceremony celebrates the bride's transition to to the groom's family. The weddings are divided into 11 stages:
• Swagatam & Madhuperk - welcoming the groom and family • Shri Ganesh Prayers and Poonyahvachanam (blessings and prayers) • Vadhu Aagman- Arrival of the Bride • Mangalashtakam and Sankalpa- Mutual Approval • Kannyadaan- Giving Away the Bride • Akshatropanam & Panigrahanam- Expectations of life as married • Mangalsutrabandhanam- Marriage commitments • Vivaah Homa- Worshipping the sacred Fire • Laja Homa and Agni Pradakshina - the start of the journey as a married couple • Saptapadi- Taking the marriage vows • Ashirvad- Blessings |