Describe and explain one of the Hindu rites of passage-marriage.

Hindus have a great variety of rites of passage, which are called samskaras. In Sanskrit the word samskara means “ being made fit for use “; going through a samskara ensures that the person is made ready for the next stage of life. If the correct actions are undertaken at each stage then the bad effects of karma can be cancelled, and a better rebirth can be hoped for the next life. A rite of passage, or samskara are special rituals, which mark a transition form one stage of life to another. These events relate to birth, becoming an adult, getting married and death and are deeply personal and emotional as well as socially important. They are celebrated with special actions and gatherings of families and communities. They are so important that the feelings and meanings attached to these experiences are given religious and spiritual expression through rituals and sacraments. Sacraments are sacred actions or sacred rituals. The most important samskaras are: birth and naming cer...