The wedding pandit guides the most important part of the day: the pheras and vows. A good pandit keeps the ceremony on time, explains each step to guests, and works smoothly with the venue and the photographer. Here is how to choose and brief one.

Start early

Wedding season dates book out months ahead. Once your muhurat is fixed, contact pandits 2 to 3 months before. If both families follow different traditions, decide early whose customs the ceremony will follow, or how to combine them.

Questions to ask

  1. Which tradition do you follow (for example North Indian, Bengali, Marathi, South Indian)?
  2. Which ceremonies will you perform: haldi, mehendi puja, var mala, kanyadaan, pheras, vidaai?
  3. How long will the main ceremony take, and can it be shortened if needed?
  4. Can you explain the steps in Hindi or English for guests?
  5. Do you bring helpers and samagri, and what is the total dakshina?
  6. What do you need from the venue: havan space, fire safety, mic?

Brief your venue and photographer

  • Share the ceremony timeline with the venue so the mandap and havan area are ready.
  • Check the venue allows a small fire for the havan, and keep water nearby.
  • Tell the photographer the key moments: var mala, kanyadaan, pheras and sindoor.