Monday, October 12, 2020

West Indian Weddings

 Marathi Wedding

Maharashtrian marriage is perhaps the simplest and the least opulent in the whole country. Unlike other weddings, most of the rituals are preformed early in the morning. The Maharashtrian marriage procedure starts with finding a suitable counterpart. After this, the horoscope of the boy and the girl are matched by the purohits. After the horoscopes match, the mahurut for the wedding is taken out. This is followed by the preparations for the marriage, with the wedding rituals being performed along side.

Pre Wedding Rituals
Sakhar Puda ceremony is the initial ritual which takes place in a Maharashtrain wedding. It can be termed as the engagement, wherein the bride is given a sari, and sweet or sugar, by the groom's family. Next is the Kelvan ceremony, which is performed at both the bride's and the groom's house. It is a small puja of the kuldevta, followed by a meal. After this, the Haldi ceremony takes place, wherein turmeric paste is applied to both the bride and the groom. This is known as Halad Chadavane. This is followed by Simant puja, wherein, once the groom arrives at the bride's place; her parents wash his feet and give him gifts. 

Wedding Rituals
Antarpat is a silk shawl used to separate the bride and the groom. The maternal uncle of the bride brings her to the dias, where the mangalashtakas are recited. Then the shawl is removed and the couple sees each other for the first time and exchange garlands. At this moment they are showered with unbroken rice. After this, the couple asks their parents for permission to get married. This is called the Sankalp ceremony. After this, the bride's parents perform the Kanyadaan ritual, wherein they offer their daughter to the groom. 

After Kanyadaan, the groom ties mangalsutra around bride's neck and applies vermillion in her hair parting. She in return applies a sandalwood tilak on his forehead. Next is the Vivah Homa, which is conducted by the groom in assistance with the priest. Following this is the Saptapadhi ritual, wherein the couple takes seven rounds around the sacred fire, taking seven vows. The wedding ceremony comes to an end with the Karmasampati ritual, wherein the bride's father, the bride and the groom please Gods to bless the wedlock.

Post Wedding Rituals
Grihapravesh is the first ritual conducted after wedding. The groom's mother welcomes the new couple and washes their feet with milk and water. After this the traditional aarti is performed and the bride is asked to enter the house by knocking down a glass of rice, kept at the entrance. The couple enters the house with their right foot. Last but not the least Reception party is organized, wherein sumptuous food is served for the guests.


Rajasthani Wedding

Marwari marriage is celebrated with gaiety. It is an elaborate affair and extends over a period of days. Marwari wedding strictly adhere to the ancient customs and traditions. There are a number of pre wedding, wedding and post wedding rituals, which are observed. After the completion of all these rituals only, the marriage is deemed complete. In fact, Marwari marriages are very traditional and rather regal in look and appeal. For more information on Marwari wedding rituals, read on. 

Pre Wedding Rituals
The engagement ceremony is the first ritual, which is performed at the groom's house. Only the male members of the bride's family visit the groom's place for the ceremony. The bride's brother applies tilak on the groom's forehead and gives him gifts. After this the Ganapati Sthapna & Griha Shanti ceremony is held, wherein the bride and the groom's family perform havan and install the idol of Lord Ganesha. The next is the Pithi Dastoor, in which the bride and the groom are applied turmeric paste. 

Mehfils form an integral part of the wedding celebrations. Both men and women have their own mehfils, wherein they sing and dance. This is followed by Mahira Dastoor custom, as per which the maternal uncles of the bride and the groom distributes gifts in the house. Other important ritual is Janev, in which the groom is made to wear a white thread. The groom pretends to run away from the marital bounds while his maternal uncle tries to convince him. Subsequently, the Palla Dastoor is conducted, wherein the bride worships Goddess Gauri.

Wedding Rituals
On the wedding day, the Rajput Baraat visits the bride's house. It is a regal procession, which does not involve any dancing. On his arrival he is welcomed by his mother-in-law, with the traditional aarti. He then proceeds towards the mandap. Here, mostly the women of the bride's family are present as themale members are entertaining the baraat. During the complete ceremony the bride covers her face with a long veil. From the groom's side, only one male member accompanies him.

Post Wedding Rituals
After the wedding, the bride and the groom leave for their marital home. A coconut is placed under the wheel of the car, as the bride unveils herself in front of her husband. Usually at this point of time, the groom gifts her a piece of jewelry. On arrival at the groom's house, his family welcomes the newly wed couple. This is called the Grihapravesh custom. The next day after the Grihapravesh, Pagelagni tradition is followed. According to this custom, all the members of the groom's family are introduced to the new bride and they present her with gifts.

Gujarati Wedding

Gujaratis or the people of Gujarat are known for their rich, vibrant and colorful culture. Moreover, they are warm and cheerful, who are fond of celebrating festivals with fervor. This is quite evident in a Gujarati marriage as well. The wedding rituals in Gujarat are simple and filled with fun. The unique blend of traditions and ingenuousness is something which makes Gujarati weddings a sheer delight. Given below is vital information on Gujarati wedding rituals.

Pre Wedding Rituals
The pre wedding rituals begin Mangal Mahurat ceremony. It is performed by both the bride and the groom in their respective houses. Prayers are offered to Lord Ganesha to remove all obstacles. After matching the horoscopes of the couple, Griha Shanti puja is held. This is done by the priest at the houses of both the bride as well as the groom. The next ritual is known as 'Jaan' and it is performed to ward off any evil. It is quite interesting as the groom visits the bride place and touches his mother in law's feet to seek blessings. While he does so, she tries to clutch his nose and he tries to escape. 

Wedding Rituals
On the wedding day, the first ritual, which takes place, is the Jaimala, wherein the couple exchanges garlands twice. Next is the Madhuparka ritual in which groom's feet are washed and he is given honey and milk to drink. During this the sisters of the bride try to steal the groom's shoes, known as 'Juta Churai'. One of the most important rituals on the wedding day is Kanyadaan, in which the bride's father washes groom's feet and gives him the hand of his daughter. This is followed by Hasta Milap, wherein the groom's shawl is tied with bride's saree. 

The tying of the holy knot and the joined hands of the couple, signify their union. Rose petals and rice are showered upon them, during this time. After this, the couple takes rounds, around the scared fire, while the priest chants mantras. These are known as Mangalpheras. There are four pheras in Gujarati marriage. This is followed by Saptapadi, which are seven steps and vows taken by the couple together. Subsequently, they are blessed by their parents and elders.

Post Wedding Rituals
Reception is post wedding ritual, wherein all the near and dear ones give gifts to the couple. This is followed by the Vidaai ceremony, in which the bride is bid a tearful farewell by her family. On reaching the groom's house, the bride is asked to knock down a vessel filled with rice, with her right foot, kept at the entrance. This ritual is known as Ghar Ni Lakshmi as the bride is considered form of Goddess Laxmi. Next is the fun filled ritual called Aeki Beki, which is a wedding game played by the couple. A vessel is filed with water and colored by putting sindoor and milk. After this, everal coins and a ring are put in it. Both the bride and the groom are then asked to find it. Whoever, succeeds four out of seven times is deemed to rule the household.


Sindhi Wedding

Sindhi people are basically Sanatani Hindus, who do not follow Hindu rites strictly. However, Sindhi marriage is conducted in accordance with the Vedic rites. Sindhi weddings reflect a blend of Hinduism and Sufism. Usually the weddings take place on the auspicious days like Satyanarayan Chandsi or the new moon day. like Hindu marriage, Sindhis also observe a number of pre wedding, wedding and post wedding rituals. Read on to know more about the ceremony.

Pre Wedding Rituals
Kachchi Misri & Pakki Mishri Ceremony is the first ritual conducted before marriage. In Kachchi Misri, a coconut and mishri is given to the bride and the groom, signifying they are one. One week prior to the wedding, the Pakki Mishri takes place, wherein the formal engagement takes place and the couple exchanges rings. Berana Satsang is conducted in the name of Sindhi God Jhulelal. After this, the Mehendi ceremony is held in which the bride's hands and feet are adorned with henna designs. Next is the Santh custom, according to which seven married ladies apply oil in bride's hair.

After this, an earthen pot is placed before her and she is asked to break its cover in one go. The Sangeet party is a dance and music fiesta for women. Then the Saagri tradition is held, which involves the showering of flowers on the bride. The groom's married sisters and cousins visit the bride's place and beautify her with flower jewelry made of Mogra. Subsequently, the Ghari puja takes place at bride's and groom's place. Payers are done and women grind wheat as a symbol of prosperity. A handful of grains are given to the priest by the groom. 

Wedding Rituals
Thread ceremony is an important wedding ritual, in which turmeric powder and oil is applied to the bride and the groom. After this, they are not allowed to step out of their homes before marriage. Next is the Swagatam custom, wherein the groom is welcomed to the bride's house by her sisters and friends. At the entrance the groom places his right foot on top of the bride's foot. After this, the bride's parents wash his feet with milk and water. 

After this, the Hathialo tradition is held, wherein the groom's shawl is tied to the bride's sari. Their right hands are also tied with red scarf ad they pray to the Almighty to bless their union. Then the main wedding ceremony begins. The couple is seated in front of the sacred fire. While the priest chants mantras, they take four rounds around the fire. Next is the Kanya Daan ceremony, wherein the parents of he bride hand her over to the groom.

Post Wedding Rituals
After the wedding, the bride is welcomed in her new house. Her in-laws wash her feet and cover her head while she sprinkles milk all over the house. After this, the bride takes a handful of salt and gives to the groom. The groom then gives it back to her, without spilling any. This process is repeated thrice. This is known as Datar Ceremony. This is also carried out with other members of the family. Next is Chhanar ritual or Dev Uthana, in which Devs is removed from the house. Subsequently, Sataurah custom is observed, following which the newly wedded couple visits the bride's house at an auspicious time decided by the priest.

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