Hindu rites of passage
The tying of the thali is the most sacred part of a Hindu wedding ceremony as it symbolizes the binding of the marriage bond.
The rituals that mark the rites of passage are mainly based on customary observances together with religious practices such as the presence of a priest, the ‘sacrificial fire' and recitation of mantras. Since Hindus in Malaysia include people from different parts of India and Sri Lanka, the rites of passage are varied. Hindu texts mention 52 such rites, called samskaras. The ceremonies associated with birth, puberty, marriage and death are the most important.
- Information in the full article includes
- Before birth
- Birth
- Puberty
- Marriage