The **Tilak Ceremony** is a significant pre-wedding ritual in Indian weddings, especially in North Indian cultures. It symbolizes the formal acceptance of the groom by the bride’s family. During the ceremony, the bride’s father or elder male relatives apply a sacred **tilak** (a mark made with vermillion, sandalwood paste, or kumkum) on the groom’s forehead as a blessing. Gifts such as clothes, sweets, and jewelry are also presented to the groom and his family. The ritual signifies respect, goodwill, and the beginning of a harmonious relationship between both families. It is often accompanied by traditional music, prayers, and a celebratory feast, making it a joyful occasion before the wedding festivities begin.

The **Oli Ceremony** is a lesser-known but significant pre-wedding ritual in some Indian communities, particularly in Rajasthan and Gujarat. It is a gathering where the groom's family, especially the groom’s maternal uncle (mama), brings gifts, sweets, clothes, and jewelry for the bride as a gesture of love and acceptance. This ceremony symbolizes the strengthening of ties between both families and blessings for the bride as she prepares to start a new chapter in her life. It is often accompanied by traditional songs, rituals, and a festive atmosphere, making it a joyous occasion in the wedding celebrations.

The **Engagement Ceremony**, also known as **Roka, Sakharpuda, or Mangni**, is an important pre-wedding ritual in Indian weddings that marks the formal commitment between the bride and groom. During the ceremony, the families exchange gifts, and the couple often exchanges rings as a symbol of their union. Elders bless them for a happy and prosperous married life, and traditional rituals are performed to seek divine blessings. The event is usually celebrated with music, dance, and a feast, making it a joyous beginning to the wedding festivities.

The **Baraat** is one of the most vibrant and joyous processions in an Indian wedding, marking the groom’s grand arrival at the wedding venue. The groom, often dressed in traditional attire and adorned with a turban, arrives on a **horse, elephant, or a decorated car**, accompanied by his family and friends. The procession includes energetic **music, drummers (dhol players), and dancing**, creating a festive atmosphere. The groom’s relatives and friends, known as the **Baraatis**, celebrate as they make their way to the bride’s venue. Upon arrival, the bride’s family welcomes them with a ritual called **Milni**, where elders from both families exchange garlands or gifts, symbolizing the union of both families. The Baraat sets the tone for the wedding, showcasing joy, tradition, and cultural richness.

The **Varmala Ceremony**, also known as **Jaimala**, is a beautiful and symbolic ritual in an Indian wedding where the bride and groom exchange floral garlands. This ritual signifies the acceptance of each other as life partners and marks the beginning of their marital journey. The garlands, usually made of fresh flowers, represent love, respect, and the willingness to support each other. The ceremony is often playful, with friends and family lifting the bride or groom to make the exchange more exciting and fun. The **Varmala** is an important part of the wedding, setting the stage for the sacred vows and further rituals that follow in the marriage ceremony.

The **Mandap** is a sacred four-pillared canopy where the main wedding rituals take place in an Indian wedding. It symbolizes the couple’s new home and is considered the holiest part of the ceremony. Traditionally, the Mandap is beautifully decorated with **flowers, drapes, lights, and religious symbols**. It is set up at the wedding venue, often under the open sky or in a banquet hall. The **four pillars** of the Mandap are said to represent the **four parents** who support and bless the couple in their new journey. Inside the Mandap, the bride, groom, their parents, and the priest (pandit) perform sacred rituals, including the **saat phere (seven vows), kanyadaan (giving away of the bride), and mangalsutra tying**. It is the heart of the wedding, where the couple is officially united in the presence of family, friends, and deities.

The **Vidai Ceremony** is one of the most emotional and significant moments in an Indian wedding. It marks the bride’s farewell from her parental home as she begins her new journey with her husband. After the wedding rituals, the bride bids goodbye to her family, often with tears, symbolizing the transition from her childhood home to her new family. As she leaves, she throws **rice or coins over her shoulder**, signifying gratitude for her upbringing and blessings for her parents’ prosperity. Her family and friends accompany her to the groom’s car, where she departs amidst blessings, prayers, and heartfelt emotions. The Vidai represents the bittersweet blend of **sorrow and joy**, as the bride leaves her past behind to embrace her future with love and hope.