Filipino Wedding Glossary › Mandap
Mandap
Pronunciation: MAHN-dahp
Origin: Sanskrit, Hindu ceremony pavilion; occasionally adapted in interfaith Filipino weddings
A four-pillared canopy or pavilion under which Hindu wedding ceremonies are conducted.
A mandap is the structured pavilion where a Hindu wedding ceremony takes place, typically with four pillars and a canopy above.
In the Philippines, mandaps appear in interfaith weddings where one or both partners come from Hindu South Asian heritage, or in destination-style weddings inspired by South Asian aesthetics.
If you are planning a mandap-led ceremony, work with a Hindu priest (pandit) and a vendor experienced in mandap construction. The structure is not just decor; it carries ritual function.