The Meaning of The Antarpat

Have you ever wondered why many Indian Hindu ceremonies include an antarpat, the cloth that blocks the view of the couple from each other at the beginning of the ceremony?

It signifies their individual lives and existence prior to the ceremony. Removing the antarpat signifies two souls becoming one.

It’s usually made of cotton and decorated with images of Ganesh, the hasta melap and the Hindu swastika (the original swastika and NOT to be confused with seemingly similar symbols that represent hate).