Long but seems interesting. Let me read and phrase a question for discussion.
Re: Marriage Customs of India
*There are at least five things essential to the marriage ceremony, viz., the betrothal, the gift of the virgin, the acceptance, the seizure of the hand, and the seven steps, or sapta-padi.
*
Can anyone translate these terms in Hindi?Which term refers to Kanyadaan?
Re: Marriage Customs of India
Of India or of Hindus ?
Re: Marriage Customs of India
Of India or of Hindus ?
The article mainly deals with Hindu customs, but as we all know we can see reflection of these customs in other communities of Indo-Pak as well
Re: Marriage Customs of India
The gift of the virgin is Kanyadaan. More than gift daan translates to generosity of giving. So Kanyadaan is Giving one's daughter's hand in marriage, where the Daughter goes to stay with her husband. It is considered the highest and most sacred form of generosity so much so that the parents who give their daughter in marriage is absolved of all sins in their lives by God. This is the most important part of marriage ofcourse since without bride there is no marriage but the marriage in itself is not complete with out the saptapadi or 7 steps.
Re: Marriage Customs of India
The gift of the virgin is Kanyadaan. More than gift daan translates to generosity of giving. So Kanyadaan is Giving one's daughter's hand in marriage, where the Daughter goes to stay with her husband. It is considered the highest and most sacred form of generosity so much so that the parents who give their daughter in marriage is absolved of all sins in their lives by God. This is the most important part of marriage ofcourse since without bride there is no marriage but the marriage in itself is not complete with out the saptapadi or 7 steps.
Interesting so marrying your daughter is like doing a charitable act as per Hindu customs. A connected question. Are there any Hindus who take money for marrying their daughters. What happens to Kanyadaan in such circumstances?
Re: Marriage Customs of India
There may be Hindus who sell their daughters for a price. But it is not considered Kanyadaan. This is a corruption of a sacred marriage ceremony . In a hindu marriage, God is a witness. When there is a corruption of said marriage ceremonies, can we technically call it a valid Kanyadaan? I don't think so. What what is prescribed and what is actually followed are 2 different things. Cultural corruption of religious norms are what this is.