Saat Pheras or the seven steps (circumambulations) around a sacred fire is the central ritual of a Hindu marriage. It is believed that if two people walk seven steps together, they remain friends for life, their souls unite and they become one and the fire becomes the eternal witness to the marriage and is believed to burn down the negative energies and bring the blessings of Gods. So, unless seven steps are completed by the bride and bridegroom together around the sacred fire, the marriage is deemed incomplete.
The steps are taken together at a slow pace, step by step. While going around the fire the bride is always on the right side. With each step taken, the bride and bridegroom take the sacred 7 vows together. The seven vows are known as saptadi or seven promises which the bride and groom pledge together to be bound together for a lifetime.
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