The Marathi Wedding Saman List, Vidhi by Vidhi
A Marathi wedding is beautifully short. The main ceremony is often done in a few hours. But that short ceremony rests on weeks of collecting small, specific things, and every family has one item that’s missing on the day. Usually it’s the antarpaat. Sometimes it’s the second mundavalya for the groom.
This list follows the vidhis in the order they happen, so you can check it against your guruji’s list and pack one bag per ritual. Your family may add or skip a step, and that’s fine. Use this as your base.
Before the wedding
Sakharpuda (engagement). The groom’s family gives the bride sugar, a saree and gifts: a sweet start. You’ll need a sakharpuda kit, sugar cones and a ring platter if rings are exchanged.
Lagna patrika. The first invitation goes to the family deity. A lagna patrika scroll makes this moment feel as special as it should.
Halad. The groom’s haldi usually comes first, and his leftover turmeric (ushti halad) is sent to the bride’s home. Everything for it is in our haldi checklist.
Devdevak and the grinding rituals. The family deity is invited home, and in many families the women do an auspicious grinding ritual. Keep a chakki and musal set ready.
On the wedding day
| Vidhi | What happens | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Mundavalya | Strings of pearls or flowers are tied across the foreheads of the bride and groom | Mundavalya for both |
| Gaurihar pooja | The bride prays to Goddess Parvati for a happy married life | Gaurihar, pooja thali, rice, haldi kumkum |
| Antarpaat and mangalashtak | A cloth is held between the couple while the mangalashtak is sung, then lowered for the varmala | Antarpaat, akshata, garlands |
| Kankan bandhan | Threads are tied on the couple’s wrists for protection | Kankan / kagan dora |
| Saptapadi | The couple take seven steps together | Saptapadi supari |
| Mangalsutra and sindoor | The groom ties the mangalsutra | Mangalsutra, sindoor and sindoor dani |
| Aher | Gifts, often clothes, are given to relatives | Aher shirt and pant fabric sets |
| Rukhwat | The bride’s family displays sweets and gifts | Rukhwat display items |
For the groom and the family men
- A pheta or ready-to-wear safa for the groom, fathers and uncles. Pre-tied safas save a lot of morning panic.
- A topi for the elders.
- A dhoti and uparna set for the groom, father and guruji.
What experienced families do differently
- They ask guruji for his list a month early and compare it with this one. His list is the final word for your family’s customs.
- They pack one labelled bag per vidhi. The helper handing things to the guruji doesn’t need to know the ritual; they just pick up the bag that says “Saptapadi”.
- They keep a spare mundavalya. One gets tangled or a pearl string breaks. The spare costs little and saves the photos.
- They buy aher sets in one go. The guest list always grows, and matching sets look better than last-minute mixes.
Want it all in one box?
Our wedding vidhi packages bring the main ritual items together. Add mundavalya, aher sets and rukhwat items to make it your own. Everything ships free across India, and for big families or planners we’re happy to help on WhatsApp with bulk orders.
Quick answers
What is gaurihar? The pooja the bride does to Goddess Parvati (Gauri) before the wedding, praying for a happy married life. It’s set up near the mandap.
Who buys the wedding saman: the bride’s side or the groom’s? It varies. Usually each side buys what’s needed for the vidhis it performs, and the families agree on the rest early.
How early should we order? Three to four weeks before the wedding gives you time to check everything and change anything that isn’t right.