Bārāt and var-pūjā — welcoming the groom
The groom travels to the wedding venue with his family and friends in a procession (bārāt), often on a horse, with music and dancing. At the bride's door he is received with āratī by the bride's mother, a tilak and sweets.
In the var-pūjā (or madhuparka), the bride's family honours the groom as a respected guest — washing his feet, and offering a seat and a mixture of curd, honey and ghee. This old Gṛhya custom treats the groom as an honoured guest of the household.
Madhuparka