Marriage in Orissa

Shown in this video is a marriage ceremony in Orissa, a state located on the east coast of India. It is a tradition in Oriya or mainly Hindu families that the daughters are considered to be incarnations of Lakhsmi and the son in law is considered Vishnu.

One can see in this video, the mother in law taking the new son in law around the vivah mandap (the place where the bride and the groom sits). After this the groom cuts the thread which is another ritual.

It symbolizes the entering of the son in law into the bride’s family by breaking all the barriers.