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Ganesh Pooja Invocation Part II

Rachna and Nitin's Pre Wedding Ceremony Rituals

For Hindu’s it is with the start of any celebration/function that Lord Ganesh is invoked. Typical invocation of Lord Ganesh is as follows for those of you unfamiliar with who/what Lord Ganesh is and yearly in India festivals are held in celebration of this particular Gods birthday, being the God of Knowledge.

Lord Ganesha, the son of Shiva and Parvati, is believed to bestow his presence on earth for all his devotees. Ganesh is the elephant-headed son of Shiva and Parvati, who is widely worshipped as the supreme god of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune, and this day marks his birthday.

The festival is observed in the Hindu calendar month of Bhaadrapada, starting on the fourth day of the waxing moon period. Typically the day falls sometime between August 20 and September 15. The festival lasts for 10 days.

The worship of the deity involves getting a corner ready to receive the god. Ganesha is invited with a special phrase and with material and verbal offerings, and the puja begins. It involves the panchamrut (five nectars), which includes milk, curd, ghee, honey and jaggery, with which the god’s icon is bathed, cleansing in between with water.

Ganesha is then given a red garment and the sacred thread – saying it is silver. He is then smeared with red sandal paste and offered red or yellow flowers. A lamp is lit, bells chime and food is offered in six symbolic mouthfuls – not to the god’s body, but to his five panchapranas or ‘vital breaths’ and the one beyond – the absolute.

Ganesha is offered special leaves and flowers, 21 of each and white durva grass. The murti is formally installed on the first day and given life in the presence of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, and the Vedas. Touching the murti with blades of durva grass, he is brought to life step by step and made to go through 15 of the 16 rites of passage that each Hindu goes through in his lifetime. (The sixteenth one, which is for death, is omitted.)

The Ganesha mantra is chanted, followed by a Ganesha prayer. Ganesha is called by his 108 good names. The last puja done, the family or congregation gathers around and rice grains are placed on the head of the murti, which is moved, symbolically unseating him.

Now on to the pooja photos for which this special celebration for the Goyal/Goel’s took place.

Rachna and Nitin's Pre Wedding Ceremony Rituals


Rachna and Nitin's Pre Wedding Ceremony Rituals


Rachna and Nitin's Pre Wedding Ceremony Rituals


Rachna and Nitin's Pre Wedding Ceremony Rituals


Rachna and Nitin's Pre Wedding Ceremony Rituals


Rachna and Nitin's Pre Wedding Ceremony Rituals


Rachna and Nitin's Pre Wedding Ceremony Rituals


Rachna and Nitin's Pre Wedding Ceremony Rituals


Rachna and Nitin's Pre Wedding Ceremony Rituals


Rachna and Nitin's Pre Wedding Ceremony Rituals


Rachna and Nitin's Pre Wedding Ceremony Rituals


Rachna and Nitin's Pre Wedding Ceremony Rituals


Rachna and Nitin's Pre Wedding Ceremony Rituals


Rachna and Nitin's Pre Wedding Ceremony Rituals


Rachna and Nitin's Pre Wedding Ceremony Rituals


Rachna and Nitin's Pre Wedding Ceremony Rituals

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  • AaratiSeptember 7, 2010 - 4:49 pm

    Stumbled upon this blog while searching for Ganesh Pooja procedure!

    Nonetheless, wanted to leave a note and let you know that I love the pictures posted. Very crisp, beautiful and colorful.

    Thanks,
    AaratiReplyCancel

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That look right after the jaimala goes on — you can see it here. Garlands still settling, and they`re already stealing a glance like nobody else is on that sidewalk. This is one of my favorite in-between moments to catch because it`s not posed, it`s not planned, it`s just two people who can`t help but smile at each other.



Fusion weddings like this one are so special to shoot — two families, two traditions, blending into one really beautiful day. If you`re planning a wedding that mixes cultures (or doesn`t fit in a box), let`s talk about how we`d tell your story. Comment or DM us!

3 1
Open post by theregetis with ID 18181372957416631
That look right after the jaimala goes on — you can see it here. Garlands still settling, and they're already stealing a glance like nobody else is on that sidewalk. This is one of my favorite in-between moments to catch because it's not posed, it's not planned, it's just two people who can't help but smile at each other. Fusion weddings like this one are so special to shoot — two families, two traditions, blending into one really beautiful day. If you're planning a wedding that mixes cultures (or doesn't fit in a box), let's talk about how we'd tell your story. Comment or DM us!

They’re not just sticking a colorful piece of wood into the ground. And this may be one of my favorite examples of how much meaning can hide inside a Gujarati wedding.



If you’ve grown up around Gujarati weddings, you may have seen some version of this ritual your entire life.



The decorated post is associated with the Manek Stambh and Mandap Ropan / Mandap Muhurat — the ceremonial establishing of the mandap before the wedding.



Before it is placed into the earth, the post may be wrapped with sacred thread and blessed as part of the family’s ritual. Then it is carried outside and planted into the ground.



But here’s the part I love:



Before we build the place where two people will be married, we acknowledge the earth upon which it will stand.



The Manek Stambh becomes more than a little wooden post. It represents the establishment of the mandap — the sacred space beneath which a new marriage will begin.



And depending upon the family, region and Gujarati community, the customs surrounding it may look a little different. That’s something I’ve learned after more than two decades of photographing South Asian families: there is rarely just one Indian way of doing anything.



Sometimes even the bride or groom knows what their family does because they’ve watched their parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles do it their entire lives…



…but they’ve never actually been told why.



That’s the part that gets me.



Because one day, someone is going to look at photographs like this and ask:



“What were they doing here?”



And I don’t want the answer to simply be, “Oh, that was something we did before the wedding.”



I want someone to remember.



The name.

The reason.

Who held it.

Who tied the thread.

Who taught them how to do it.



Because somewhere between tradition being practiced and tradition being explained is where legacy either gets passed down—or quietly disappears.



And THAT is why we photograph the little things. 🤍

5 1
Open post by theregetis with ID 17905784829309096
They’re not just sticking a colorful piece of wood into the ground. And this may be one of my favorite examples of how much meaning can hide inside a Gujarati wedding. If you’ve grown up around Gujarati weddings, you may have seen some version of this ritual your entire life. The decorated post is associated with the Manek Stambh and Mandap Ropan / Mandap Muhurat — the ceremonial establishing of the mandap before the wedding. Before it is placed into the earth, the post may be wrapped with sacred thread and blessed as part of the family’s ritual. Then it is carried outside and planted into the ground. But here’s the part I love: Before we build the place where two people will be married, we acknowledge the earth upon which it will stand. The Manek Stambh becomes more than a little wooden post. It represents the establishment of the mandap — the sacred space beneath which a new marriage will begin. And depending upon the family, region and Gujarati community, the customs surrounding it may look a little different. That’s something I’ve learned after more than two decades of photographing South Asian families: there is rarely just one Indian way of doing anything. Sometimes even the bride or groom knows what their family does because they’ve watched their parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles do it their entire lives… …but they’ve never actually been told why. That’s the part that gets me. Because one day, someone is going to look at photographs like this and ask: “What were they doing here?” And I don’t want the answer to simply be, “Oh, that was something we did before the wedding.” I want someone to remember. The name. The reason. Who held it. Who tied the thread. Who taught them how to do it. Because somewhere between tradition being practiced and tradition being explained is where legacy either gets passed down—or quietly disappears. And THAT is why we photograph the little things. 🤍

The gasp. The hands flying up. The one friend who literally cannot keep it together. THIS is what we live for.



There`s something so pure about the moment a bride`s crew sees her for the first time, all dressed up, before anyone else does. Coordinated olive sharara sets, then that red and gold lehenga glowing against them as she walks in — it`s real, it`s unscripted, and it happens exactly once. We just have to be standing in the right spot to catch it.



Who would you want to see you first — your person, your parents, or your crew? Tell us below, and if you`re planning a day full of moments like this, DM us to chat.

#SouthAsianWeddings #IndianWeddings #WeddingPhotographersInVirginia #IndianWeddingPhotographersInVirginia #IndianWedding #DesiBride #SouthAsianBride #FusionWedding #WeddingPhotography #RegetisPhotography #BigFatIndianWedding #DesiWeddingVibes #IndianWeddingPhotography

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Open post by theregetis with ID 18090844091531778
The gasp. The hands flying up. The one friend who literally cannot keep it together. THIS is what we live for. There's something so pure about the moment a bride's crew sees her for the first time, all dressed up, before anyone else does. Coordinated olive sharara sets, then that red and gold lehenga glowing against them as she walks in — it's real, it's unscripted, and it happens exactly once. We just have to be standing in the right spot to catch it. Who would you want to see you first — your person, your parents, or your crew? Tell us below, and if you're planning a day full of moments like this, DM us to chat. #SouthAsianWeddings #IndianWeddings #WeddingPhotographersInVirginia #IndianWeddingPhotographersInVirginia #IndianWedding #DesiBride #SouthAsianBride #FusionWedding #WeddingPhotography #RegetisPhotography #BigFatIndianWedding #DesiWeddingVibes #IndianWeddingPhotography

Madhu is ready to get this baraat started - nothing like a morning baraat to really get you moving! There`s something so joyful about a daytime baraat - the sun`s out, the dhol is going, and the groom is dancing his way to the mandap surrounded by the people who`ve known him his whole life. That arms-wide, head-back energy? For some it might be McDonald`s but for us --- t`s why we wakeup early in the morning on the weekends.



If you`re planning a baraat and want photos that capture the actual joy (not just posed smiles), let`s talk. DM us or drop a comment below!

15 1
Open post by theregetis with ID 18122792524764969
Madhu is ready to get this baraat started - nothing like a morning baraat to really get you moving! There's something so joyful about a daytime baraat - the sun's out, the dhol is going, and the groom is dancing his way to the mandap surrounded by the people who've known him his whole life. That arms-wide, head-back energy? For some it might be McDonald's but for us --- t's why we wakeup early in the morning on the weekends. If you're planning a baraat and want photos that capture the actual joy (not just posed smiles), let's talk. DM us or drop a comment below!

There will always be a place for a macro lens in our bag. 😍 These are the bride`s bangles, and in Indian culture, they carry so much meaning — often gifted by family, symbolizing blessings, prosperity, and the beginning of a new chapter. Getting close enough to catch every sparkle and reflection like this is one of our favorite parts of wedding day details.



What`s a piece of jewelry or heirloom from your family that means the most to you? Tell us in the comments — or DM us to chat about capturing yours on your big day! ✨

@pinnacle_live @uthsaav @omnihomestead @diegostuartfilms @abhishekdecorators

5 1
Open post by theregetis with ID 18017750444866127
There will always be a place for a macro lens in our bag. 😍 These are the bride's bangles, and in Indian culture, they carry so much meaning — often gifted by family, symbolizing blessings, prosperity, and the beginning of a new chapter. Getting close enough to catch every sparkle and reflection like this is one of our favorite parts of wedding day details. What's a piece of jewelry or heirloom from your family that means the most to you? Tell us in the comments — or DM us to chat about capturing yours on your big day! ✨ @pinnacle_live @uthsaav @omnihomestead @diegostuartfilms @abhishekdecorators

That view, though. Shatakshi and Madhu chose the Omni in Hot Springs, VA for their sangeet celebrations, and honestly, those mountains rolling out behind the property? Chef`s kiss. There`s something about getting a little distance from the everyday that makes a sangeet weekend feel even more special — everyone`s there, phones are (mostly) down, and it`s just family, dancing, and stories.



@shakess09 @uthsaav @abhishekdecorators @diegostuartfilms @pinnacle_live @omnihomestead @carolinaeliteevents @cbcatering.usa



We love when a venue becomes part of the celebration instead of just a backdrop. Got a mountain wedding or sangeet in the works? Drop a comment or DM us — we`d love to hear about it.

27 3
Open post by theregetis with ID 18133247002714101
That view, though. Shatakshi and Madhu chose the Omni in Hot Springs, VA for their sangeet celebrations, and honestly, those mountains rolling out behind the property? Chef's kiss. There's something about getting a little distance from the everyday that makes a sangeet weekend feel even more special — everyone's there, phones are (mostly) down, and it's just family, dancing, and stories. @shakess09 @uthsaav @abhishekdecorators @diegostuartfilms @pinnacle_live @omnihomestead @carolinaeliteevents @cbcatering.usa We love when a venue becomes part of the celebration instead of just a backdrop. Got a mountain wedding or sangeet in the works? Drop a comment or DM us — we'd love to hear about it.

There`s a very short list of moments that can rival a mother`s joy on her daughter`s wedding weekend — and this forehead-to-forehead hug is definitely on it. Maybe her birthday gives it a run for its money, but honestly? I`m not so sure. The way she cupped her Mom`s face just as Mom was getting emotional, mehndi and all, said everything words couldn`t.



Moments like these are exactly why we do what we do, why we want to be present for you and YOUR family. Have a mother-daughter moment from your wedding you`ll never forget? Tell us about it in the comments, or DM us to chat about capturing yours.

@abhishekdecorators @cbcatering.usa @diegostuartfilms @pinnacle_live @omnihomestead @uthsaav

15 2
Open post by theregetis with ID 18124744342698808
There's a very short list of moments that can rival a mother's joy on her daughter's wedding weekend — and this forehead-to-forehead hug is definitely on it. Maybe her birthday gives it a run for its money, but honestly? I'm not so sure. The way she cupped her Mom's face just as Mom was getting emotional, mehndi and all, said everything words couldn't. Moments like these are exactly why we do what we do, why we want to be present for you and YOUR family. Have a mother-daughter moment from your wedding you'll never forget? Tell us about it in the comments, or DM us to chat about capturing yours. @abhishekdecorators @cbcatering.usa @diegostuartfilms @pinnacle_live @omnihomestead @uthsaav

That laugh. That stride. That candid, can`t-fake-it energy — this is the stuff we chase every single wedding season. 😍



So... if you`re getting married in 2027, we need to know! Drop your date below 👇 and tell us — are you thinking just photo + cinema, or are you ready to go full Legacy Makers experience with The Regeti`s and Diego Stuart Films? Either way, we`d love to chat. DM us or book a consult — let`s make your walk this good too.

@abhishekdecorators @cbcatering.usa @diegostuartfilms @pinnacle_live @omnihomestead @uthsaav

13 3
Open post by theregetis with ID 18027983927847628
That laugh. That stride. That candid, can't-fake-it energy — this is the stuff we chase every single wedding season. 😍 So... if you're getting married in 2027, we need to know! Drop your date below 👇 and tell us — are you thinking just photo + cinema, or are you ready to go full Legacy Makers experience with The Regeti's and Diego Stuart Films? Either way, we'd love to chat. DM us or book a consult — let's make your walk this good too. @abhishekdecorators @cbcatering.usa @diegostuartfilms @pinnacle_live @omnihomestead @uthsaav

Okay, we said it. Somebody had to.



After 20 years and more weddings than we can count, here`s what we`ve learned: the couples we click with best aren`t chasing trends or a perfectly styled feed — they want photos that still mean something at their 25th anniversary, when grandparents aren`t in the room anymore and that mandap is the only place they still "are." If that`s not you, no hard feelings, truly. But if it is... we`d love to hear about your day. Drop a comment or DM us — let`s talk.

36 2
Open post by theregetis with ID 18484467649097589
Okay, we said it. Somebody had to. After 20 years and more weddings than we can count, here's what we've learned: the couples we click with best aren't chasing trends or a perfectly styled feed — they want photos that still mean something at their 25th anniversary, when grandparents aren't in the room anymore and that mandap is the only place they still "are." If that's not you, no hard feelings, truly. But if it is... we'd love to hear about your day. Drop a comment or DM us — let's talk.

The bride told us: don`t miss the little things. So when the caterer started serving ice cream person to person instead of setting it out on the table, we did what we do best — a little hide and seek to catch it before it melted (literally and figuratively). Pink kulfi in martini glasses, mithai on the side, a potli bag waiting for its moment — this is the kind of detail that disappears in about four minutes flat if nobody`s chasing it.



I scream, you scream... you get the idea. Got a detail you`re worried we`ll miss? Tell us in the comments or send us a DM — we love a good challenge.

@abhishekdecorators @cbcatering.usa @diegostuartfilms @pinnacle_live @omnihomestead @uthsaav

7 3
Open post by theregetis with ID 18123102766865857
The bride told us: don't miss the little things. So when the caterer started serving ice cream person to person instead of setting it out on the table, we did what we do best — a little hide and seek to catch it before it melted (literally and figuratively). Pink kulfi in martini glasses, mithai on the side, a potli bag waiting for its moment — this is the kind of detail that disappears in about four minutes flat if nobody's chasing it. I scream, you scream... you get the idea. Got a detail you're worried we'll miss? Tell us in the comments or send us a DM — we love a good challenge. @abhishekdecorators @cbcatering.usa @diegostuartfilms @pinnacle_live @omnihomestead @uthsaav