Over 80% of Indians are followers of Hinduism. Hinduism is regarded to be the oldest current major religion of the world.
Hinduism is not a set of beliefs and lessons; instead, it a broad term used to define the many various religious beliefs and customs observed by the people of India. Unlike Christianity or Islam, where core values and religious texts are definitely described, Hinduism is more open ended and flexible to presentation. Hinduism does not have a founder. Followers are free to worship any God they select and even atheists are included in Hinduism.Rituals and signs such as the swastika, cremation ceremony, etc, which were used by citizens of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization (from 2600 BC to 1900 BC), are in practice even today in India. The Vedas, of which the oldest (“Rig Veda”) dates back to 1700 BC, have had a strong impact on Hinduism. Even today, Sanskrit scriptures from the Vedas are read out during Hindu ceremonies. Other key influences on Hinduism have been the Upanishads, Buddhism, Jainism, Grantha, Gita, Dharmashastras, Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Puranas, Yoga, Bhakti movement, etc.The terms “Hindu” and “Hinduism” have obtained reputation only in the last few hundred years. The Eurpean people used the term Hindu to classify those Indians who did not adhere to the more structured religions of Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Jainism, etc.

Since Hinduism is an umbrella term for many various religious practices and values; it infers that the customs and rituals followed at Hindu weddings will be different in various regions and areas. One example of this is that the North and West of India are affected by Vedic customs and a key marriage ritual is the walking jointly of the groom and bride around a holy fire. In the South of India, only some areas follow this tradition and a marriage can be solemnized without this habit.

Important rituals and customs in a typical Hindu wedding include religious prayers before a holy fire (Yagna), approval by the groom of the bride as his lawful wife, seven circles around the holy fire by the groom and bride and giving apart of the bride by her father (Kanya Daan).

The Indian civil law that covers Hindu weddings inIndiais the “Hindu Marriage Act – 1955″. Not just Hindus, but also weddings of Buddhist, Jains and Sikhs are also protected under this act. As per this act wedding should first be solemnized in a religious ceremony and then the marriage should be registered. The registrar issues a wedding certificate which can be either in English or the local official language of the state in which the wedding was registered. For those travelling abroad, it is sensible to have an English certified interpretation of their marriage certificate. Registration of marriage is necessary.