Vivah: Design a Perfect Hindu Wedding

by Meenal Pandya

From understanding the significance of the Hindu wedding ceremony to step-by-step planning and finding resources, this book helps to-be-weds and their families plan and enjoy the most important event... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0963553925
• ISBN13: 9780963553928
• Release Date: January 2000
• Publisher: MeeRa Publications
• Length: 104 Pages
• Weight: 0.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 7.5" x 9.8"

Customer Reviews

Good source, hoping there is something more in depth out there

The book covers many traditions - which is both good and a downfall. If you are a westerner you will find that an Indian wedding you go to doesn't necessarily do the same practices or all the practices listed in the book. It still is a good source for someone going in blindly, and probably the best available. Hopefully a more in depth book will come out that explains each of the steps with more meaning then just a superficial application to American culture.

A Must Have Book For Every Hindu Bride To Be!

Vivah: Design a Perfect Hindu Wedding, written by Meenal Atul Pandya, is a primer for anyone involved in a Hindu wedding. It looks to bridge the gap between traditional ceremonies thousands of years old with modern traditions. Vivah is a step by step walk through of all the elements of a Hindu wedding from philosophy to finding local resources. The author uses vivid photos so readers can visualize their perfect Hindu ceremony. Vivah covers rituals and ceremonies in detail and offers readers a better understanding of the process. These general guidelines are explorer in further detail by a section dedicated to regional customs and rituals. From Tamil to Punjab weddings, this helps readers understand the special regional touches that they might want to add. Following the extensive cultural customs are explained, it takes an organized approach to planning the ceremony complete with a planning timeline. Finally, the book ends with a resource list that has many local contacts to help the reader design the perfect Hindu wedding with ease! Author, Meenal Atul Pandya has written three books, hundreds of articles, and several poems. Her writings have appeared in many prestigious magazines and newspapers around the globe. Currently, she works as a consultant. This is a highly readable book with something for everyone involved in planning, attending or hosting a Hindu wedding. It is suitable as a gift, a coffee table book, a primer to learn about Hindu ceremonies and a resource list for those planning the ceremony. The graphic design and photos make this book a visual treat while the information makes Vivah invaluable. Vivah starts out with helpful segments entitled "Before We Begin". It starts with easy reading and works on building a starting point for envisioning the perfect day. Each chapter talks about the ceremony and what it takes to have a beautiful ceremony but never forgets to add spiritual and inspirational words and comments to remind the reader that marriage isn't just a ceremony but a sacrament. Readers are treated to short quick tips throughout that provide small bits of information that might be lost in a page of text. The tips are featured from front to back cover and offer the key to make any Hindu ceremony a success. It is highly recommended for anyone who wants a deep understanding of a Hindu Wedding Ceremony and how to translate old traditions into modern day. Personally, I am preparing for my Hindu wedding later this year and I know I will be referencing Vivah: Design a Perfect Hindu Wedding often. This is one book that every Hindu bride should own! [...]

Good summary for novices of hindu weddings

I am an english girl marrying a hindu man so had no clue about the traditions before now. This book provides a very good short summary of everything and I will be giving it to my parents to read so they are not totally suprised on the day! However for the bride to be I would recommend the A Comprehensive Wedding Planner by Sarbjit K Gill which has more detail and also gives guidance on what kind of questions to ask your vendors etc. Overall though- a great introduction, clear and easy to understand in a nice layout.

Finally...a solution for planning an Indian wedding

I highly recommend Vivah of you are trying to plan or understand the traditions of an Indian wedding. As a first generation indian woman raised in the United States, I found this Vivah to be an excellent resource. It is worth the buy. You won't be disappointed!

The ultimate Hindu wedding guide.

Vivah: Design A Perfect Hindu Wedding is a well written, "reader friendly", step-by-step planning guide detailing every aspect of planning a Hindu wedding from selecting a hall to a mehndi design. Author Meenal Pandya shares tips from experts and recently married couples on how to enhance the wedding experience. Vivah explains the significance of this ancient Vedic ceremony, including an understanding of Saptapadi in the context of modern life today. Highlights touch upon the unique features of regional customs from Gujarat to Kashmir, including Sikh and Jain ceremonies. Vivah also identifies local resources in the reader's own area and provides sample Manglashtak in Sanskrit and Gujarati. Vivah is a "must" for any young couple and their families seeking to sanction and sanctify their wedding vows and ceremony in the Hindu tradition.