Saptapadi

Saptapadi is a central ritual in many Hindu wedding ceremonies, also known as saat phere or seven rounds. The term combines Sanskrit sapta meaning seven and pada meaning steps, referring to the seven circuits around the sacred fire (agni) performed by the couple. The fire is considered a witness to the vows and a source of divine blessing.

During the rite, the bride and groom stand together with the priest and take seven steps around the fire, each step accompanied by a vow. The vows typically focus on essential aspects of married life, such as nourishment and support, strength and character, prosperity and wealth, family and children, health and long life, harmony and fidelity, and spiritual growth. The exact text and emphasis of the vows vary by region, tradition, and family, but the seven rounds collectively symbolize mutual commitment and lifelong partnership.

Regional and cultural variations exist in the implementation of saptapadi. In many North Indian communities, the seven rounds are the defining moment of the wedding, while other communities may integrate additional rites before or after the saptapadi. The ritual is often performed within the broader framework of a Hindu wedding ceremony and may be combined with other well-known rites, such as the garlanding (jaimala) ceremony.

Significance wise, saptapadi is regarded as a foundational expression of the couple’s vows to support and uplift each other throughout their life, in familial, social, and spiritual dimensions. In contemporary practice, some couples adapt the ritual to fit personal or regional customs while preserving its symbolic meaning.