South Asian Wedding:
Pundit / Hindu Officiant
South Asian Wedding Vocabulary
Pundit also called Priest, Maharaj, Officiant, Acharya, Swami, Guru, Brahmin, Pujari, additional spellings: Pandit, Panditji, Swamiji, Acharyaji, Mahraj, Maharaaj, Maharajh, Maharaja, Acharaya, Acharya Maharaj, Achari, Achary, Swamy, Swamiy, Swamii, Swaami, Gooroo, Gurudev, Goorudev, Guruji, Brahman, Brahmana, Brahminji, Poojari, Pujary, Poojary, Pujariy, Poojariy, Pujaree, Poojaree, Pujariyaji, Pujariji *There are many names, spellings, and variations this is not an exhaustive list.
What is the Pundit in a South Asian wedding?
This is the Hindu officiant who performs the marriage rituals. He may also perform pre-marriage rituals.
*Not all South Asian weddings are Hindu. There are a variety of religions based on the subcontinent. The pundit, however, is the officiant for Hindu ceremonies.
*Not all South Asian weddings are Hindu. There are a variety of religions based on the subcontinent. The pundit, however, is the officiant for Hindu ceremonies.
Who has a Pundit?
Couples getting married in the Hindu faith need a pundit.
When does a Pundit oversee the rituals?
The pundit may be asked to do the marriage rituals for the wedding day only, or he may be asked to the pre-marriage rituals as well. Often these are done at the home of the bride and the home of the groom to bless the households where big changes are happening.
Where does the Pundit stand?
For a Hindu ceremony, this takes place on a stage. The pundit is on the stage with you for the duration. He is sometimes standing and sometimes sitting. He is there before the bride and groom, and departs after they have left. Typically his arrival and departure and informal and guests will not even know it is happening.
How is the Pundit managed?
The pundit often works with both the bride and groom and both sets of parents. All of these parties are traditionally very invested in the rituals and all are present on the stage / mandap / ceremony space as the rituals are being performed.
The pundit should be treated with respect. He is often paid during or immediately after the rituals are completed. Often it is the parents who hand him the payment.
The pundit should be treated with respect. He is often paid during or immediately after the rituals are completed. Often it is the parents who hand him the payment.
