<Li> Saptapadi -- is the most important ritual . It is called the seven step ritual , where each step corresponds to a vow groom makes to bride , and a vow the bride makes to groom . The vows are pronounced in Sanskrit in long form , or short quicker form , sometimes also in the language of the groom and bride . In many weddings , Saptapadi is performed near a fire ; and after each of the seven oaths to each other , the groom and bride perform the ritual of agnipradakshinam -- walk around the fire , with the end of their garments tied together . The groom usually leads the bride in the walk . The fire is a form of yajna -- a Vedic ritual where fire is the divine witness ( to the marriage ) . After Saptapadi , the couple are considered husband and wife . </Li>
how many times does the bride and bridegroom walk around the fire during the hindu wedding ceremony
seven