Vivaha is regarded as among the most important samskaras, the gateway to the householder stage of life (grihastha ashrama). Its core rites, performed around the sacred fire with Agni as witness, include Kanyadaan (the giving of the bride), Panigrahana (clasping of hands), and Saptapadi — the seven steps taken together while exchanging vows, after which the marriage is traditionally considered complete and binding. North Indian weddings typically feature seven pheras (circuits) around the fire, South Indian weddings center on the tying of the mangalsutra or thali, and regional traditions add countless distinctive rituals, but the Vedic fire rites form the common core. The wedding date and time are fixed by matching horoscopes and selecting an auspicious vivaha muhurat from the panchang.