The Seven Steps (Sapta Padi)
The ritual of The Seven Steps is the most important part of the ceremony where the two of you walk seven steps together, either forwards or round the fire. At each step, you both ask for blessings:
May the Lord lead us to sustenance
May the Lord lead us to strength
May the Lord lead us to prosperity
May the Lord lead us to the source of all bliss
May the Lord lead us to good progeny/children
May the Lord lead us to enjoy all seasons and longevity
May the Lord lead us to union, devotion and companionship.

The ceremony concludes with a prayer that the union is for life. At the end of this, you will be husband and wife. A custom-made gold chain with black beads (mangal sutra) is tied around one of your necks. To show that you are married, your husband puts red powder (sindhoor) in your hair. Your new in-laws welcome you to your new family after blessing the pair of you, by offering you cloth or a flower and your guests shower you both with flowers to ward off the evil eye and bless you on your marriage.