The Gujarati wedding is not just about two people tying knots; It is a celebration of culture, traditions and family relationships. Known for its colors, music, food and centuries old customs, a royal Gujarati marriage is a truly magnificent matter. Each ritual bears deep meaning, which symbolizes love, respect and blessings for the couple.
In this full guide, we will go through Gujarati wedding rituals, including the feature before wedding, wedding day ceremony, traditions after the wedding, dress, important Gujarati marriage method of product list and even delicious Gujarati food menu for weddings. The Gujarati wedding is not just about two people tying knots; It is a celebration of culture, traditions and family relationships. Known for its colors, music, food and centuries old customs, a royal Gujarati marriage is a truly magnificent matter. Each ritual bears deep meaning, which symbolizes love, respect and blessings for the couple.
In this full guide, we will go through Gujarati wedding rituals, including the feature before wedding, wedding day ceremony, traditions after the wedding, dress, important Gujarati marriage method of product list and even delicious Gujarati food menu for weddings.
Pre-Wedding Rituals in Gujarati Marriage
Chandlo Matli (Acceptance Ceremony)
This is one of the first Gujarati pre-wedding rituals, where the groom’s family visits the bride’s home with a symbolic silver container called Matli, filled with gifts, sweets, and clothes. It marks the acceptance of the marriage alliance.
Gol Dhana (Engagement Ceremony)
Gol Dhana, which literally means “jaggery and coriander seeds”, is the Gujarati version of the engagement. Families exchange gifts, and the couple has exchanged rings that reflect sweetness and prosperity in their future lives.
Sangeet Sandhya & Garba Night
A Gujarati wedding is incomplete without music and dance. The Garba and Dandiya night brings both families together to celebrate with traditional songs and dance moves. It sets the festive tone for the marriage.
Mehendi Ceremony
The bride’s hands and feet are decorated with beautiful henna design. Mehndi is not only a symbol of beauty, but is also considered to be lying for the new journey to the bride.
Pithi Ritual
In this ceremony, a turmeric paste is applied to the groom and bride in their homes. It is believed to cleanse the body and soul before marriage.
Wedding Day Rituals in Gujarati Wedding Ceremony
Baraat (Groom’s Procession)
The groom arrives with a vibrant procession of music, dance, and joy. It is one of the most awaited moments in the Gujarati wedding ceremony.
Ponkhana (Welcoming the Groom)
The bride’s mother performs a small ritual at the entrance, welcoming the groom and warding off evil eyes with traditional gestures.
Jaimala (Exchange of Garlands)
The bride and groom exchange floral garlands, symbolizing mutual acceptance. It’s often a fun moment with both families cheering.
Antarpaat (Separation Curtain Ritual)
A cloth curtain is placed between the bride and groom while mantras are chanted. Once lowered, the couple finally sees each other as husband and wife-to-be.
Kanyadaan (Giving Away the Bride)
The bride’s parents give their daughter’s hand to the groom, symbolizing trust and responsibility. It is one of the most emotional parts of the Gujarati wedding rituals step by step.
Madhuparka Ritual
The groom is offered milk, honey, and ghee as a gesture of respect and to sweeten his marital journey.
Hasta Milap (Joining of Hands)
The priest ties the bride and groom’s hands with a sacred thread, signifying their union.
Mangal Pheras (Sacred Wedding Rounds)
The couple takes four sacred rounds around the holy fire, each representing dharma, artha, kama, and moksha.
Saptapadi (Seven Vows)
The couple takes seven steps together, making vows of love, respect, and companionship for life.
Post Gujarati Wedding Rituals Rituals
Sindoor & Mangal Sutra Ceremony
The groom applies sindoor to the bride’s forehead and ties the mangal sutra, marking her as a married woman.
Saubhagyavati Bhava Blessing
Married women bless the bride with lifelong prosperity and happiness.
Chero Pakaryo Ritual
The groom playfully pulls his mother-in-law’s saree as a fun way of asking for gifts.
Aashirvad & Wedding Reception
Both families come together for blessings and a grand reception to celebrate the newlyweds.
Vidaai (Bride’s Farewell)
A tearful moment when the bride bids goodbye to her parental home and begins her new life.
Ghar Nu Laxmi (Welcoming the Bride)
The bride is welcomed into her new home as the goddess Lakshmi, bringing prosperity.
Aeki Beki Game
A post-wedding game where the bride and groom search for a ring in a bowl of milk and coins, symbolizing fun and bonding.
Significance of Gujarati Wedding Attire
A Gujarati wedding look is unique and royal. The attire of both bride and groom carries cultural value.
The Gujarati Bridal Look
Brides usually wear traditional sarees or lehengas in bright colors, heavily embellished with embroidery and zari work.
The Gujarati Groom’s Look
Grooms prefer regal outfits like sherwanis, bandhgalas, or traditional dhotis with bandhani prints.
Types of Gujarati Wedding Dresses for Brides
- Gharchola Saree – A red saree with golden checks, traditionally gifted by the groom’s family.
- Panetar Saree – A white saree with a red border, worn during wedding rituals.
- Bandhani Saree – Known for its tie-dye patterns, ideal for pre-wedding functions.
- Gujarati Bridal Lehenga – A modern yet traditional choice with embroidery and mirror work.
- Patola Saree – A royal handwoven silk saree, often worn at receptions.
Types of Gujarati Wedding Dresses for Grooms
- Dhoti-Kurta
- Kediyu Outfit
- Bandhani Print Attire
- Sherwani
- Bandhgala Suit
- Jodhpuri Suit
- Kurta Pajama with Jacket
Gujarati Marriage Vidhi Items List
Every Gujarati marriage ritual requires specific items that hold symbolic meaning.
- Rituals & Offerings: Rice, coconut, turmeric, kumkum, flowers, sweets.
- Ceremonial Items: Holy fire (Agni Kund), kalash, mango leaves, sacred thread.
- Blessings & Tokens: Silver coins, gifts for elders, betel leaves, and areca nuts.
(Many families also perform Mandap Muhurat Vidhi in Gujarati, which includes worshipping the mandap before the marriage begins.)
Gujarati Food Menu for Wedding
No royal Gujarati wedding is complete without its mouth-watering dishes.
Starters (Farsan)
- Dhokla, Khandvi, Patra, Lilva Kachori.
Main Course Delicacies
- Undhiyu, Gujarati Dal, Kadhi, Shaak varieties.
Breads & Accompaniments
- Thepla, Rotli, Bajra Roti, Puri.
Desserts (Mithai)
- Basundi, Mohanthal, Shrikhand, Jalebi-Fafda.
Conclusion
A Gujarati wedding ceremony is not just about customs—it’s a beautiful blend of love, traditions, and celebrations. From the joy-filled Gujarati pre-wedding rituals to the emotional post-wedding traditions, each step reflects the community’s rich cultural values. The unique Gujarati wedding dress, traditional marriage vidhi items list, and the lavish Gujarati food menu for weddings make the celebration unforgettable. If you’re planning or attending a royal Gujarati wedding, this step-by-step guide will help you understand every ritual and enjoy the true spirit of Gujarati culture.