At the entrance of the venue, the bride’s side greets the groom’s family. Male elders from both families exchange garlands and hugs. The bride’s mother then performs an Aarti (a ritual with a lamp) and applies a red tilak to the groom’s forehead, welcoming him like a god (specifically, Lord Rama).
This is the legal and spiritual crux of the wedding. The couple circles the sacred fire seven times. Madhuri Dixit Suhagrat Seen