Indian Customs and Rituals of Arya Samaj Marriage

Arya Samaj Marriage is conducted by the Arya Samaj, founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswathi in any of its temple. The marriage in Arya Samaj Marriage is performed as per Vedic rites and thus does not require any flamboyance. In fact, simplicity is the main essence of Arya Samaj Marriage. Though the Arya Samaj Marriage is meant only for Hindus, any non-Hindu can also be allowed to undergo the marriage rituals if he undergoes the process of conversion through Shuddhi .

Indian customs and rituals are extremely diverse and varied. The country has an extremely rich culture and abounds in different religions and faiths, which makes it most unique. Every belief system has its own set of rites and rituals thus making up a multitude of rituals. It is these very practices which provide a unique sense of identity to the country and give it a `mystical` touch which attracts tourists form far and wide. Though the country has made immense progress since the times of the ancient Vedas, the customs and traditions remain intact and are religiously followed not only in the rural areas abut in the urban areas as well. Though the customs and rituals may vary from one region to another, they are the same in essence and comprise the combined body of Indian customs and rituals.

The Hindus celebrate their festivities with their standard ritual of inviting the Brahmin> priests to their homes to officiate the rituals with Yagnas and recitation of mantras. A detailed series of life-cycle rituals marks the major transitions in the life of the individual. Soon after the birth of a child, the Namkaran ceremony is held, which is marked by chanting of Shlokas and singing of hymns. Even many ceremonies are performed during pregnancy to ensure the health of the mother and growing child. Charms may serve to ward off the evil eye and witches or demons. A number of rituals for the infant like the ear-piercing ceremony and also the first haircut ceremony occur at a temple or during a festival. The next important transition in life is marriage.

Muslim ceremonies regarding birth are not very specific, and whatever is practiced usually varies with the customs and habits of different regions. However, traditionally some practices are generally followed by all. After the birth of the child, he or she is smeared with the juice of palm dates on the upper jaw. It is believed that the very first words that a new born should hear are the words of God. Accordingly, the Azaan is whispered into the child`s right ear whereas the Iqamat is spoken into the child`s left ear.

In Christianity, following the birth of a child, the child is taken to the church for the baptism ceremony. It is the most important Christian sacrament as the child is admitted into the church as a Christian only after baptism. It is done before the first birthday of the child and the child is presented with white clothes, cap and shoes. The function of marriage is held in the church of the bride. The father of the bride gives her hand to the groom. Prayers are said by the priest and he blesses them and prays for a happy life for them. The girl and boy exchange rings as a symbol of their ties to each other. They are then asked if they agree to accept each other as man and wife and following this they are pronounced man and wife.

The Arya Samaj Marriage ceremony is performed with the fire and other elements as the witnesses since they don't believe in idol worshipping. In an Arya Samaj Marriage, the mantras, which are chanted, are translated into a language that the couple can understand so that the couple can relate themselves to the meaning and significance of the Marriage mantras. This Marriage is different from the traditional Hindu Marriage in the sense that it does not involves elaborate rituals and the ceremony is not extended over a long period of time.