Telugu marriage is sanctified by seven pledges made by the bride and groom. It begins when the bride and groom have completed seven turns around a sacred fire. Many of the gestures have a symbolic importance They are common in the ceremony and ensure that the bride and groom are united in the presence of "Panchabhutaalu" —five essential elements for life, namely: "Bhumi" (earth), "Akaasham" (sky), "Agni" (fire), "Neeru" (water) and "Vaayuvu" (air). The ceremony is held under a "Kaḷyāṇa Maṇḍapaṃ" or wedding pavilion decorated with fresh flowers. The "Nādasvaram" (also called the "Shehnai" in North India) is an Indian musical instrument that traditionally accompanies most Telugu weddings.