On May 21st, 2023, Alex Leissl and Krissy Jadhav tied the knot at the Mamaroneck Beach and Yacht Club in Mamaroneck, New York. Alex, of German descent, and Krissy, of Indian heritage, embraced their shared desire to honor Krissy’s cultural roots by celebrating their union with a traditional Hindu wedding. From the moment they were engaged, the couple knew they wanted to incorporate time-honored rituals passed down through generations.
Despite Alex’s different cultural background, he was captivated by the richness of the Hindu wedding traditions and found the experience both meaningful and fascinating. Together, Alex and Krissy felt deeply fortunate to uphold these sacred customs, believing that the rituals not only honored their heritage but also deepened their connection as a couple. For them, the Hindu ceremonies were a powerful symbol of unity, binding them in a special way for the journey ahead.
According to their wedding program, the following rituals were included:
Baraat (Groom’s Entrance)
Alexander arrived to the ceremony in a procession of song and dance accompanied by family & friends. Krishnapriya’s family welcomed him to their family by placing a red powder (kumkum) on his forehead for good luck and placing a rose garland around his neck. This represented the unification of the two families, or Milni.
Ganesh Pooja
The ceremonies began with a prayer of Lord Ganesh, who is known as the God of Peace, Happiness, and Prosperity.
Kanya Aagman (Arrival of the Bride)
Krishnapriya arrived alongside her loved ones at the Mandap. She was escorted underneath the Phoolon Ki Chadar (blanket of flowers).
Mangalashtak (Request of Blessing)
A veil (antarpat) remained in between Alexander and Krishnapriya while the Priest chanted mantras that spelt out different blessings for the couple. At the appropriate time, the veil (antarpat) was removed.
Jaimala/Varmala (Exchange of Floral Garlands)
The couple exchanged garlands, symbolizing the acceptance of one another as lifelong partners.
Kanyadaan and Hast Milap (Joining of Hands/Tying the Knot)
The bride’s parents placed Krishnapriya’s hand on Alexander’s hands. The scarf worn by Alexander was tied to the scarf worn by Krishnapriya, which signifies the meeting of the souls. When this Hast Milap concluded, sacred water was poured by the bride’s mother onto the bride’s father’s hands. The water was poured in such a way as to let it flow to the bride’s and the groom’s hands as well. A sacred string was tied between the bride and groom to connect them. It signified that the couple were safe from negative energy and evil.
Vivaah Home (Lighting of the sacred fire)
The priest built a small fire in a copper bowl, known as a kund, using Ghee. The kund became the focal point for the remaining rituals. The priest chanted incantations which the couple repeated after him. Simultaneously, sacrifices of sandal wood, rice, crushed herbs, oil, and sugar were offered to Lord Vishnu via the kund as peace offerings.
Laaja Homam
This ritual is centered around puffed rice. The rice is offered to the sacred fire (agni), and the bride also offers her groom some. This symbolizes her wishing him a long life and good health to keep their family going and productive.
Mangal Pheras (Circling the Holy Fire)
Krishnapriya and Alexander walked four circles around the sacred fire (agni), signifying their journey to reach four key goals in life: Dharma – duty and ethical conduct, Artha – prosperity and success, while being charitable to others, Kama – love, dedication, desire and Moksha – enlightenment and liberation.
Saptapadi (Seven Sacred Steps)
Alexander and Krishnapriya took seven steps together, signifying the beginning of their journey through life as partners. Each step symbolic of the following vows:
- Equally share happiness and sorrow
- Always speak gently and respectfully
- Share and support each other’s feelings
- Raise a family and be faithful and loving to each other
- Always be truthful
- Do spiritual and charitable work
- To be content in any circumstances and care for our loved ones
Mangal Sutra, Sindoor and Ring Exchange (Marriage Necklace)
To signify their marriage to one another, Alexander applied the red powder (kumkum) onto Krishnapriya’s forehead. He then tied a pendant necklace (mangalsutra) around her neck and they both exchanged rings.
Kansar (Feeding Sweets)
Alexander and Krishnapriya fed sweets to each other after all the rituals were completed, signifying their first meal together as a married couple.
Ashirwad (Blessing)
The priest invoked the blessings of God to wish Krishnapriya, Alexander, their families, and all attending guests with peace and happiness. The newlyweds pay respect to the priest, their parents, and elders by bowing their heads and touching their feet. The couple then leaves the Mandap and walks down the aisle for the first time as husband and wife.
