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.
how many times does the bride and bridegroom walk around the fire during the hindu wedding ceremony
seven seven