When couples search for Indian wedding venues in PA, The Lake House Inn in Bucks County stands out for its lakefront setting and cultural inclusivity. Hindu weddings are rich in history and tradition, and water rituals play an especially important role in these ceremonies. Our venue offers the perfect backdrop for honoring these sacred practices, with Lake Nockamixon providing a serene setting that reflects the symbolism of purity, blessings, and unity.
The symbolism of Hindu wedding water rituals
Hindus use wedding water rituals for blessings, purification, and as a symbol of unity. Hinduism is quite diverse, so rituals can vary. But throughout Hinduism, water is essential for sanctifying marriages.
Sanctified by a Hindu priest, holy water, often mixed with turmeric, is used to bestow blessings for a harmonious and prosperous life together. The couple also uses holy water by holding hands and pouring water over them. This represents the purification of thoughts and actions as they enter into marriage. And it’s also symbolic of the merging of two individuals onto a shared path of commitment and love.
Along with being a source of purification and a conduit for offering prayers, water is a highlighted element in these Hindu wedding ceremony rituals as well.
Water rituals seen at Hindu weddings
There’s a wealth of knowledge about Hindu weddings. To become familiar, check out “Rituals and Customs of a Hindu Wedding: Design and Planning Guide” by Kavita Kapoor. This book gives a wonderful exposure to Hindu culture and symbolism, and gives an understanding of wedding rituals. Here are a few cultural touchstones often seen at Hindu weddings.
Hindu weddings are filled with diverse customs, many of which center around water. For couples considering Bucks County wedding venues, these traditions can be beautifully incorporated into lakeside ceremonies:
- The Kalash: A copper pot filled with water, symbolizing the sacred rivers and oceans, is used by the priest throughout the ceremony.
- The Haidi Ceremony: Holy water mixed with turmeric is applied to the couple before the wedding, then wiped away by family members offering blessings.
- The Saptapadi: Couples take seven steps around the sacred fire while sprinkling water, each step signifying vows for their future together.
- The Kanyadaan: In this deeply moving ritual, the bride’s father pours sacred water as he gives her hand in marriage, symbolizing her new life with her husband.
- Hasta Milap or Panigrahanam: The couple’s hands are tied together and sprinkled with water to represent unity and an inseparable bond.
These rituals highlight the deep meaning and reverence water holds within Hindu weddings.
Our Bucks County venue for a Hindu wedding
Earth, water, fire, air, and space represent many tenets of Hinduism. The natural setting and outdoor design of The Lake House Inn honor all five elements. Located on peaceful and pristine Lake Nockamixon in Bucks County, PA, you’ll find the perfect blend of natural scenery, calm water, and open sky.
Experience the real wedding of Natalie & Aash by PA wedding photographers Knot Just Any Day.
Serving New Jersey and Pennsylvania’s diverse Hindu community
Next door, New Jersey is home to a vast Indian American community, and it also has the highest percentage of Hindus in the nation. Our premier Bucks County wedding venue is just an hour from Trenton, less than 90 minutes from Edison, and 1.5 hours from Newark. The Lake House Inn offers an unforgettable wedding experience, comfortably hosting 300+ guests. And our gracious inn offers a combination of 14 beautiful rooms and suites.
To learn more about Hindu weddings at The Lake House Inn, schedule your tour today.
