Marriage ceremonies in India are a combination of ancient Vedic philosophy, rituals and symbolism, and various cultural traditions from different parts of the country. According to Vedic philosophy, all actions of humans lead towards one goal, that of the ultimate realization of the Self or Atman (the soul). Marriage is the pledged union of a man and a woman who join together to walk the path of Dharma or spiritual quest, helping each other towards the ultimate goal of self realization and two souls merging into one and then becoming one with the universal soul or spirit.
From the wedding program for Priya and Mike's wedding 1/10/2015