Antarpat (The Cloth Held in Front of The Groom) Significance Of The Antarpat: Have you ever wondered why many Indian Hindu ceremonies include an antarpat, the cloth that blocks the view of the couple from each other at the beginning of the ceremony. It signifies their individual lives and existence before the ceremony. Removing the antarpat signifies two souls becoming one. It’s usually made of cotton and decorated with images of Doli, the hasta melap, and the Hindu swastika. The antarpat is an auspicious shawl held between the bride and groom. The significance of the antarpat is that the bride and groom are not supposed to see each other until specific mantras are recited, and hence this sacred cloth is held between them.