Significance Of Colors In A Hindu Wedding

Today the whole Western world is mesmerised by Hindu weddings, right from Katy Perry/ Russell Brand to Elizabeth Hurley/Arun Nayar many Hollywood celebrities have come to India to get married according to the Hindu faith. So what is it about Hindu marriages that have managed to capture the interest of the whole world? Well, many things are unique about Hindu marriages in India; the aplomb and fanfare that surround a typical Hindu wedding are just phenomenal, together with the colourful and glitzy wedding attires of the bride, groom, and guests.

It would not be wrong to say that typical Hindu weddings are an extravaganza of colours, where red colour dominates above all. There would be no need to elaborate on the significance of the red colour in an auspicious ceremony like a wedding. Traditional Hindu brides wear red colour as it is said to be the colour of suhag. It signifies passion too. Also associated with the Goddess Shakti, it is said to drive away evil and therefore its liberal use on auspicious occasions like a wedding. Right from the tilak applied on the groom's forehead, the vermillion put on the bride's hair, to the bangles on her wrists, to the Alta applied on her palms and feet, to her bindi the list is just endless.

Other than red, many other colours play an integral role in a Hindu wedding setting. Saffron is another colour that dominates in a Hindu wedding. Walk into any wedding venue where traditional Hindu marriage is scheduled to happen, you will surely notice the liberal use of saffron-coloured marigold garlands for decoration. These signify loyalty and are again considered auspicious. Saffron colour also denotes purity. Another colour that dominates the Indian wedding setting is Gold. From the golden embroidery in the attires worn by the groom/bride to the Gold ornaments without which any traditional Indian wedding is considered incomplete, the golden colour rules this auspicious occasion.

Hindu weddings are indeed replete with myriad colours and all these colours have their meanings and significance. The use of these rich colours makes this auspicious event even brighter and more cheerful.