More than 80% of Indians are supporters of Hinduism. Hinduism is regarded to be the oldest existing significant religion of the world.
Hinduism is not a set of values and techniques; instead, it a broad term used to determine the many various religious values and customs followed 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 demonstration. Hinduism does not have a founder. Disciples are free to worship any God they choose and even atheists are involved in Hinduism.
Traditions and signs such as the swastika, cremation wedding, etc, which were used by residents of the ancient Indus Valley Society, are in work out even today in India. The Vedas, of which the oldest (“Rig Veda”) dates back to 1700 BC, have had a powerful impact on Hinduism. Even today, Sanskrit scriptures from the Vedas are study out throughout Hindu shaadies. Other key impacts on Hinduism have been the Upanishads, Buddhism, Dharmashastras, Grantha, Gita, Jainism, Vaishnavism, Puranas, Shaivism, Yoga, Bhakti movement, etc.
The terms “Hindu” and “Hinduism” have gained reputation only in the last few hundred years. The Europeans used the term Hindu to categorize those Indians who did not follow the more arranged religions of Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Jainism, etc.
Considering that 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 different regions and areas. One example of this is that the North and West of India are influenced by Vedic customs and a key marriage habit is the walking jointly of the groom and bride all over a holy fire. In the South of India, only some communities follow this tradition and a wedding can be solemnized without having this ritual.
Essential rituals and customs in a typical Hindu wed  include religious prayers before a holy fire (Yagna), approval by the groom of the bride as his lawful wife, seven groups around the holy fire by the groom and bride and giving away of the bride by her father (Kanya Daan).
The Indian civil law that covers Hindu marriages in India is the “Hindu Wedding Act – 1955″. Not just Hindus, but also weddings of Buddhist, Jains and Sikhs are also secured within this act. As per this act wedding should first be solemnized in a spiritual vivah and then the shaadi should be authorized. The domain registrar issues a marriage certificate which can be either in English or the local formal language of the state in which the wedding was registered. For those travelling abroad, it is advisable to have an English qualified translation of their wedding certificate. Registration of wedding is compulsory.