In a Hindu wedding, the ritual of taking seven steps around a sacred fire is called Saptapadi.
The Sanskrit word saptapadi means “seven steps.” In many Hindu wedding ceremonies, the bride and groom walk around a sacred fire, often taking seven symbolic steps or making seven circuits, depending on regional custom. Each step is associated with a shared promise, such as prosperity, strength, well-being, fidelity, or companionship.
The sacred fire, known as Agni, serves as a divine witness to the vows. Hindu weddings vary widely across India and among Hindu communities worldwide, so the exact order and wording of the ritual differ. In some traditions, the couple’s marriage is considered complete after Saptapadi.
Saptapadi is sometimes confused with the mangala sutra ceremony, in which the groom ties a sacred necklace around the bride’s neck. That is a separate ritual and is especially prominent in several South Indian traditions.