The Gujarati wedding: rituals & food.
From mandvo mahurat to vidaai: Gujarati wedding rituals in the usual order, and the vegetarian food at the heart of the celebration.
What happens at a Gujarati wedding?
A Gujarati wedding usually begins with the mandvo mahurat and pithi, then a night of garba and dandiya. On the day, the groom arrives in the jaan and is welcomed with the ponkhvu, the couple exchange garlands, the bride is given away in the kanyadaan, and the couple walk the mangal fera around the sacred fire. They feed each other kansar before the vidaai.
Gujarati customs vary between communities and families, and your maharaj will lead the ceremony. This guide follows the order most families recognise.
Gujarati weddings are usually fully vegetarian, often with Jain requirements for some guests, and families expect Gujarati dishes rather than a Punjabi menu with the meat taken out.
Order of the day.
Mandvo mahurat
Days before
A puja to Ganesh and the ceremonial start of the mandap, asking for the wedding to go smoothly.
Pithi
Days before
Turmeric paste is applied to the bride and groom by family.
Garba and dandiya
The night before
A night of circle dances, garba and dandiya raas, for both families.
Mameru
Before the wedding
The bride's maternal uncle brings gifts, often including her wedding sari.
Jaan and ponkhvu
Arrival
The groom's procession arrives and the bride's mother welcomes him with the ponkhvu.
Jaimala and kanyadaan
Under the mandap
The couple exchange garlands and the bride's parents give her hand to the groom.
Hast melap and mangal fera
The heart of the ceremony
The couple's hands are joined, then they walk the mangal fera, usually four rounds of the sacred fire, followed by the saptapadi, seven steps.
Kansar
After the ceremony
The couple feed each other kansar, a sweet, as their first meal together.
Vidaai
End of the day
The bride's farewell to her family.
Food at each stage.
| Stage | Typically served | How we serve it |
|---|---|---|
| Mandvo and pithi | Tea, farsan, sweets | A light vegetarian spread at home or a hall |
| Garba night | Farsan such as dhokla and khandvi, chaat, snacks through the night | From our Gujarati menu, ask us for it |
| Wedding meal | Puri, shaak, dal, rice, kadhi, farsan, sweets such as shrikhand | From our Gujarati menu, with Jain requirements planned in |
| Reception | Vegetarian, Gujarati or a mix | Our Gujarati and vegetarian menus |
Planning notes.
Jain guests may avoid root vegetables, onion and garlic, and some avoid eating after sunset. Observances differ, so tell us what your family needs and we will plan the dishes and their preparation.
As with any fire ceremony, check the venue's rules on an open flame before you book.
Passage to India caters Hindu and Gujarati weddings across London and the South East, with a dedicated Gujarati menu and an all-vegetarian kitchen offer for the ceremony. We work with the Hindu Cultural Society temple and with venues from Heathrow to Hertfordshire, and plan each menu around the family's traditions.
Hindu & Gujarati weddingsMore guides.
Questions couples ask us.
How many pheras are there in a Gujarati wedding?
Many Gujarati weddings have four mangal fera around the sacred fire, followed by the saptapadi, seven steps. Families and communities differ.
What food is served at a Gujarati wedding?
Usually a fully vegetarian meal: farsan such as dhokla and khandvi, puri with shaak, dal, rice, kadhi, and sweets such as shrikhand. Jain options are common.
Do you have a Gujarati menu?
Yes. We keep a dedicated Gujarati menu alongside our vegetarian and events menus. Ask us for it.
Tell us about your evening.
Share the date, the venue if you have one, and roughly how many guests. We will call you back within one working day.
Thank you. We have your enquiry.
Our events team will be in touch. If you use WhatsApp, you can also send us your details there.
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