Home Hindu wedding priest in the UK
Hindu wedding priest in the UK
The full Hindu wedding (Vivah) around the sacred fire, led by Pandit Shri Dharmeshbhai Pandya. Mantras in Sanskrit, every step explained in Gujarati, Hindi and English.
Your wedding, explained as it happens
A Hindu wedding (Vivah) is a set of beautiful steps around the sacred fire. Pandit Ji leads each one and explains it in clear English, so both families, young people and friends from every background can follow and feel part of it.
He has been leading weddings since about the age of 18, in India and in the UK, and plans each step with your family before the day, following your own tradition.
Before the wedding
- Kundli Milan (marriage chart matching) and Vivah Muhurat (a good wedding date)
- Sagai (engagement)
- Mandap Muhurat (blessing the wedding canopy) and Ganesh Sthapana (placing Lord Ganesh)
- Graha Shanti (peace prayers for the nine planets) and havan
- Haldi (turmeric blessing)
On the day
The welcome of the groom, Ganesh puja, Kanya Daan (giving away the bride), Hastamelap (joining of hands), the havan, Mangal Pheras (rounds of the fire), Saptapadi (the seven steps), the mangal sutra and sindoor, and the blessings. Every family’s order can differ a little, and Pandit Ji agrees it with you in advance.
What to keep ready at home
Pandit Ji brings the puja samagri. This list is only a suggestion: please keep ready fresh flowers, fruit, milk and sweets. Pandit Ji may suggest a few other things depending on the puja and what is convenient for you. If anything is difficult to arrange, Pandit Ji can arrange everything for you.
For this puja it also helps to have:
- Garlands for the bride and groom
- The mangal sutra (sacred necklace) and sindoor (red powder)
- A sweet for Kansar (the couple’s first meal together)
- Photos or murtis of your Kuldevi and Kuldevata (family deities), for the pre-wedding puja
- The Lagan Patrika (wedding invitation letter)
- Thalis (large plates), small bowls, spoons and a water jug
- Music for the pheras (rounds of the fire), if you would like it
- Ask your venue early about the small havan fire and their smoke alarms
Questions families ask
Do you explain the wedding in English?
Yes. The mantras are in Sanskrit, and Pandit Ji explains each step in English as it happens, as well as in Gujarati or Hindi for the elders.
Can the wedding be at a hotel or hall?
Yes. The havan (sacred fire) is small, in a metal kund (fire pit). Ask your venue early about open flames and smoke alarms. Please also read the note on this page about making the marriage legal in the UK.
Where do you travel for weddings?
Peterborough and surrounding areas most often. Anywhere in the UK with proper planning, so please ask early.
Can you help us choose the wedding date?
Yes. Pandit Ji can do Kundli Milan (marriage chart matching) and find a Vivah Muhurat (a good wedding date and time).
Do you bring the puja items (samagri)?
Yes. Pandit Ji brings the puja samagri. This list is only a suggestion: please keep ready fresh flowers, fruit, milk and sweets. Pandit Ji may suggest a few other things depending on the puja and what is convenient for you. If anything is difficult to arrange, Pandit Ji can arrange everything for you.
Tell Pandit Ji about your wedding
Tell Pandit Ji the date and your town. Peterborough and surrounding areas most often; anywhere in the UK with proper planning.