Indian weddings constitute different rituals and traditions that define the sacred bond between two unique personalities. one such ritual that is seen in an Indian wedding no matter whatever the religion or region is “holy gathbandhan of bride and groom. Gathbandhan is said as tying the corner of dupatta of the bride with the pink coloured scarf or commonly known as patka of the groom.

Gathbandhan i.e. pact or coalition is meant to stand for the sacramental bond between the two individuals who are going to spend their entire life together with each other. In this wedding ritual, the dupatta of the beautiful bride and long scarf (patka) of the handsome groom are joined together which symbolizes the bond of togetherness and harmony, also known as Gathbandhan.

In other words, The nuptial knot is a symbol of the celebration of unbreakable matrimonial commitment between two individuals where tying the knot means to “bind”. Tying or binding knot means to secure, so when you tie the knot you are symbolically bonding and securing your marriage for a lifetime.

In Indian weddings, This gathjod or knot is tied by the groom’s sister which signifies that not only the groom but also the whole family wholeheartedly accept the bride as their new family member. In gathbandhan, the word “gath” means “knot” and “Bandhan” means “tying”. Before pheras, a scarf is placed around the neck of the bride and bridegroom which is tied together which is the symbolism of eternal bond between the couple. It also denotes their pledge before God to remain faithful and to love each other and be there for each other till last breath.

According to Hindu culture, gathbandhan of bride and groom makes them one (physically, emotionally and mentally) and now they are called as one unit. During gathbandhan, five things namely a coin, flower, rice, turmeric, durva is tied to groom’s patka. Coin states that both have equal right on the money and it should be spent with both wishes. Flowers states that both stay happy with each other and haldi defines that both stay healthy and fit. Durva implies that both stay fresh and energetic like bermuda grass (durva) and where rice signifies couple should have enough food so that no one stays hungry.

Also, the gathbandhan has 3 knots where the first knot stands for the rights, second is for the relationship and the last one is for the world. And after the gathbandhan ritual, the husband and wife will walk around the fire with the knot tied representing their holy bond and take vows with each other at every step around the fire, calling fire God which witness their marriage.