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Indian wedding rituals: Why does the bride put the garland on the groom first? Know the tradition and importance behind it
Sanjeev Kumar | November 8, 2025 12:23 AM CST

garland ceremonyImage Credit source: unsplash

Varmala significance Indian wedding: The varmala ceremony is one of the most beautiful and symbolic moments in Indian wedding traditions. This is not just an exchange of flowers, but it is one of the most important rituals of the wedding for the bride and groom to accept each other as life partners. But you must have often seen that this ritual is initiated by the bride, that is, first the garland is put around the groom's neck. But why is this tradition followed? Let us know about the mythology behind it, social symbols and its symbolic importance.

History related to the tradition of Swayamvar

In ancient India, there was a tradition called Swayamvar, in which eligible princes were called and the princess accepted the groom of her choice as her life partner by garlanding him. The act of wearing this garland was the most important moment of the Swayamvara which revealed who the girl had chosen as her groom. Today's glimpse of this tradition Marriage It is also seen in rituals. When the bride garlands the groom, it symbolizes that she has accepted him as her life partner.

Mythological story related to Ramsita's swayamvar

The most famous story is related to Ramayana. In the Swayamvar organized in Janakpuri, King Janak had announced that the brave man who would pick up the bow of Lord Shiva and string it would become the husband of his daughter Sita. When Lord Shri Ram picked up Shiva's bow and broke it, Mother Sita became pleased and put a garland around Lord Ram's neck. This moment became the biggest swayamvar of that era and from that onwards the tradition started that the girl garlands the groom first.

Symbol of auspicious beginning: The bride taking the initiative is considered a sign of auspicious marriage and the beginning of Mars. It shows that the coming married life will be full of love, understanding and happiness.

spiritual meaning

Varmala does not just mean “to wear a garland”, but it is a symbol of acceptance and respect. When the bride garlands the groom, she accepts it from her heart and takes a pledge to stay with him in every happiness and sorrow of life. After this, when the groom garlands the bride, he also accepts it from his heart and pledges to stay with her throughout his life.

literal meaning of varmala

Flowers: In Hinduism, flowers are symbols of beauty, purity and positive energy. The fragrance of flowers purifies the atmosphere and wishes the life of the bride and groom to be full of laughter and joy.

Social and cultural importance

Today, even though weddings take place in grand ceremonies, the varmala ritual is reminiscent of the same old tradition where marriage was considered a symbol of equality and acceptance. In this ritual, the bride taking the first step symbolizes that the woman's approval is considered paramount in marriage.

Disclaimer: The information given in this news is based on religious beliefs and general information. TV9 Bharatvarsha does not confirm this.


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