The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 is a legal framework that governs Hindu marriages in India.

It lays
down the essentials and legal aspects of a valid Hindu marriage. Here are the key essentials of a
Hindu marriage under the Hindu Marriage Act:

1. Hindu Religion: Both parties should be Hindus. The Act applies to Hindus, including Jains,
Sikhs, and Buddhists. It does not apply to individuals from other religions.

2. Monogamy: Monogamy is an essential requirement for a valid Hindu marriage. In other

words, both parties must be unmarried at the time of marriage. If either party already has a
spouse living at the time of the marriage, the marriage is void.

3. Sound Mind: Both parties must be of sound mind at the time of marriage. They should be
capable of understanding the nature of the marriage contract.

4. Marriageable Age: The legal age for marriage under the Hindu Marriage Act is 18 years for
the bride and 21 years for the groom. They must have attained the age of marriage as per
the Act.

5. Consent: Both parties must willingly and voluntarily consent to the marriage. Forced
marriages are not valid.

6. No Prohibited Relationships: The Act specifies certain prohibited relationships (e.g., close
blood relatives) within which a marriage is not allowed. Marriages within these prohibited
degrees are void.

7. Ceremonial Requirements: The marriage must be performed with the ceremonies and
customs traditionally followed by the community to which the parties belong. These
ceremonies may vary among different Hindu communities.

8. Registration: Although not an essential requirement of the Hindu Marriage Act, registering
the marriage is advisable. It provides legal recognition and proof of the marriage and helps in
obtaining legal benefits and rights.

9. Adequate Witnesses: In some cases, witnesses may be required to validate the marriage.
The number and necessity of witnesses can vary by state laws.

10. Solemnization: The marriage must be solemnized by a person or authority authorized by law
to perform the ceremony. This may be a priest or a registrar, depending on the
circumstances.

11. No Subsisting Marriage: At the time of marriage, neither party should have a subsisting valid
marriage with any other person.

It's important to note that various customs and rituals may differ from one Hindu community to
another, but the above-mentioned essentials are based on the legal framework provided by the
Hindu Marriage Act, which applies to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists in India. Additionally,
specific state laws can influence the interpretation and application of the Act, so it's advisable to
consult legal experts or local authorities when planning a Hindu marriage.