Quick Answer
What is the varmala or jaimala?
The varmala — also called jaimala — is the moment the bride and groom exchange flower garlands on stage, their first ritual act as a couple in front of the gathering. It signals mutual acceptance and the start of the wedding, and is famous for the playful tussle where each side lifts their own person to stop the other from garlanding first.
Last updated:
Last updated:
What is the varmala or jaimala?
Also called: varmala, jaimala, jaymala, garland exchange, var mala.
The varmala is the wedding’s first big "aww" moment — the bride and groom face each other on stage and slip flower garlands over each other’s necks to signal they accept one another. It usually happens right after the baraat arrives, before the couple heads to the mandap. And it almost always turns into a game: the groom’s friends hoist him up so the bride can’t reach, her cousins lift her in return, and the garlanding becomes a laughing tug-of-war.
What the varmala means
Exchanging garlands (mala) is an ancient gesture of choosing and accepting a partner — it traces back to the swayamvar tradition, where a woman garlanded the suitor she chose. On the modern stage it is the couple’s public "yes" to each other and the formal opening of the wedding rituals. The garlands are usually fresh flowers — roses, marigolds, jasmine, orchids — coordinated with the couple’s outfits.
The playful lifting is now expected: friends and cousins lift the groom (and sometimes the bride) on their shoulders so the other has to jump, reach or be lifted in turn before they can garland. It is light-hearted, photographed heavily, and a favourite slow-motion video moment.
Where the varmala falls in the sequence
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| Baraat arrival | Groom’s procession reaches the venue, milni and welcome |
| Stage entry | Bride is brought to the stage to meet the groom |
| Varmala / jaimala | Couple exchanges garlands — often the lifting game |
| Photos & blessings | Families come up for pictures and blessings |
| Mandap | Couple moves to the mandap for the main rituals |
Tips for event managers
- •Order the garlands fresh the morning of and store them cool — wilted varmala flowers photograph badly and snap during the lifting.
- •Brief the photo and video team in advance; the lifting game happens fast and the slow-mo shot is a key deliverable.
- •Clear and light the stage, and keep a steady platform — the lifting tussle is a real fall risk in heavy outfits.
- •Cue the music and announce the varmala so seated guests turn toward the stage at the right moment.
Tips for wedding hosts
- •Decide in advance whether you want the lifting game — agree it with both sides so it stays fun, not a power struggle.
- •Keep a spare garland ready in case one breaks during the tussle.
- •Tell close family to be near the stage for the varmala so they are in the photos and blessings that follow.
- •Use the Weddingkart app to remind guests of the wedding-day timing so the hall is full for the garland exchange.
Fill the hall for the garland moment
Send your guests a scheduled WhatsApp on Weddingkart with the wedding-day arrival time and the varmala slot, and track who is present for the stage ceremony — so the hall is full for the photo everyone wants.
See scheduled announcements →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between varmala and jaimala?
There is no difference — they are two names for the same ritual, the exchange of flower garlands between the bride and groom on stage. "Varmala" and "jaimala" are used interchangeably across regions.
Why do friends lift the groom during the varmala?
It is a playful tradition: lifting the groom (or bride) makes the other person reach or be lifted in turn before they can garland, turning the moment into a light-hearted game. It has become one of the most photographed parts of the wedding.
When does the varmala happen?
Right after the baraat arrives and the couple meets on stage, before they move to the mandap for the main rituals. It is the formal opening of the wedding ceremony.
What flowers are used for the varmala garlands?
Fresh flowers — usually roses, marigolds, jasmine, carnations or orchids — coordinated with the couple’s outfits. They should be made the morning of and kept cool so they look fresh and don’t snap during the lifting.
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By Mayank JaiswalLast updated