Assamese Wedding Rituals

Although different regions of India have varied rituals for wedding, the same thought of prosperity and goodwill of the newly wedded couple reflects in every part of the country. In the eastern state of Assam, the wedding ritual is in total contrast with that seen down south or at the western extreme of the subcontinent. The Assamese have a different perception about wedding, wherein the reception party can be held prior to the ceremony as well. Moreover, the rituals performed to honor the newly married couple are different and only one of its kind. Check out some interesting information about the Assamese wedding rituals, in the article.

Assamese Wedding Customs

Daiyan Diya
Daiyan diya is a traditional Assamese ceremony observed in the morning of the wedding. According to the tradition, curd is sent to the bride's house from the groom's place. The bride eats half of the curd and returns the rest to the groom's house. Thereafter, the bride and the groom are given a ceremonial bath.

Ceremonial Bath
The wedding day commences with the performance of the bathing custom. The bride and groom's mother visit the nearby river or lake with a pot and fetch holy water. The bride and the groom are bathed with the holy water, at their respective homes.

Arrival Of The Groom
The arrival of the groom calls for fun activities. According to the Assamese tradition, the bridegroom's marriage procession is not given entry into the bride's home, until they pay a heavy price, which adds to the fun element of the wedding ceremony.

Wedding Ceremony
The bride's mother welcomes her future son-in-law. In the mean time, the bride's younger sister washes the groom's feet, for which she is rewarded with a gift (mostly cash). Thereafter, the bride's brother lifts the groom and takes him to the wedding hall. On the other hand, the bride enters the wedding hall (or mandap) on the shoulder of her maternal uncle.

The bride and the groom sit at the mandap, facing the sacred fire. The couple then exchanges garlands and takes vows, amidst the chanting of mantras. Conch shells are blown to mark the tying of the wedding knot. The groom applies sindoor (holy vermilion) on his wife's hair partition. Thereafter, the friends and relatives come forward to bless the newly weds. The newly married couple then goes to the groom's house, where they are given a warm welcome. The bridegroom's mother performs the traditional aarti, to welcome her son and daughter-in-law.

Wedding Reception
The timings for the reception party are flexible in the Assamese community. According to their tradition, the reception can be held even before the wedding ceremony. During the party, lip smacking dishes are served to the guests. Fish and meat take prominent place in the menu for the wedding reception party.

Assamese Pre-Wedding Rituals

Wedding is a prominent celebration in India. The rituals followed before, during and after the marriage vary largely, depending upon the region, where the ceremony is held. As far as the Assamese wedding is concerned, the rituals performed right from the preparations to the culmination of the occasion, are unique in their own terms. The groom's mother plays a prominent role during the pre-marriage ceremonies of an Assamese wedding. The custom of applying sindoor (vermilion) on the hair partition of the bride before the marriage is very typical to the Assamese culture. Explore the article to get more information about the Assamese pre-wedding rituals.

Assamese Pre-Wedding Customs

Juran Diya
The Juran ceremony takes place two days prior to the Assamese wedding. This function is a ladies-only affair, wherein the groom's mother, along with some close relatives, visits the bride's house. The bride's mother greets them and gives them a warm welcome with the xhorai, a brass plate, in which betel nuts and betel leaves are neatly arranged and covered with a gamocha.

Tel Diya
Tel Diya is the main custom followed by the Assamese, prior to the wedding. In this ritual, the groom's mother puts a ring and betel on the bride's hair partition. In addition, she pours oil that she has brought along, thrice on the betel. Thereafter, she applies sindoor on the bride's hair partition and presents her wedding trousseau. It also includes 'mekhla chadar', the traditional Assamese dress for women.

Pani Tola & Nuani Tradition
During the pani tola custom, the bride and the groom's mother fetch holy water, which is later on used for the bride's auspicious bath. Nuani tradition involves anointing and bathing the bride to help her get ready for her wedding ceremony.

Assamese Wedding Ceremony

In the land of cultural ethnicity - India - you can witness myriad rituals and variations in the customs, as you travel across the length and breadth of the subcontinent. The traditions followed down south are entirely in contrast with those prevalent in the northern part of the country. It applies to the eastern and the western states as well. If you peruse the culture of the eastern state of Assam, you will see many variations in the customs observed during important ceremonies, like wedding. The traditional Assamese marriage is divided into two phases - the pre-wedding and wedding ceremonies.

The Assamese marriage is a two or three-day program, wherein the groom's mother pays a visit to the bride's house, before the wedding. The groom's mother greets her future daughter-in-law. She applies sindoor (holy vermilion) on the bride's hair partition.

Thereafter, she presents the wedding trousseau to the bride. On the day of the wedding, the bride and the groom are given auspicious bath in their respective homes. The bride's maternal uncle and brother play a prominent part during the wedding ceremony, which is conducted at a mandap. In this section, you will read all about the Assamese wedding ceremony and the rituals associated with it.

Assamese Pre-Wedding Rituals
Wedding is a prominent celebration in India. The rituals followed before, during and after the marriage vary largely, depending upon the region, where the ceremony is held. As far as the Assamese wedding is concerned, the rituals performed right from the preparations to the culmination of the occasion, are unique in their own terms.

Assamese Wedding Rituals
Although different regions of India have varied rituals for wedding, the same thought of prosperity and goodwill of the newly wedded couple reflects in every part of the country. In the eastern state of Assam, the wedding ritual is in total contrast with that seen down south or at the western extreme of the subcontinent. The Assamese have a different perception about wedding, wherein the reception party can be held prior to the ceremony as well.

Post Wedding Punjabi Rituals

Punjabis love celebrations. Their marriage ceremonies are thus extremely grand and elaborate. Even after few days of marriage, the celebrations at the groom’s and bride’s places are on. The post wedding celebrations start right after the solemnization of marriage at the Mandap. Preparations for Vidaai and Ashwirwad ceremony go hand in hand. Once the couple is blessed by all the elderly people at home, the brother of the bride accompanies the couple for Vidaai to the main exit of their home. The celebrations after Vidaai takes place at the groom’s place except for the Pag Phere Ceremony at the bride’s home the next day after marriage. Read on to explore more…

Vidaai Ceremony
In the Vidaai ceremony, the bride departs from her parental house and bids goodbye to her parents, friends and relatives. While leaving the home, the bride throws back handful of puffed rice back at the main exit of her father’s home as a token of her father’s prosperity and good luck. Thereafter, she boards a beautifully decorated car and heads her way towards her new home.

Swagat Ceremony
After the marriage is over, the bride is welcomed at the groom’s house. She is welcomed by her mother in law at the entrance of her new home by putting the sarson ka tel (mustard oil) on both the sides of the entrance door. Then, a traditional aarti of both the bride and the groom is performed. Thereafter, the newly wedded couple goes to the pooja room and seeks the blessings of God.

Mooh Dikhai Ki Rasm
Mooh dikhai is the formal introduction of the new bride to the rest of the family. The mother-in-law gives the bride jewelry, cash and gifts. It is a ceremony to facilitate intimacy. The other relatives also give presents and cash to the bride.

Reception Ceremony
To make the bride feel at home, the groom’s parents usually throw a reception party. It is an occasion, where the newly wedded couple is given a warm welcome by all. It does not have an ancient origin. Infact, it is a western concept that is gaining popularity in India too.

Pag Phere
As a part of Phera Dalna ritual, the newly wedded couple visits the bride’s house on the next day after marriage. Usually, the girl’s brother comes to take them back to his home. The bride’s parents prepare a special lunch. Also, the newly weds are given lots of gifts and sweets. This is actually a formal introduction of groom to the bride’s family.

Punjabi Wedding Rituals

Punjabi Wedding ceremony is an interesting ceremony full of several rituals and customs. The wedding preparations start day before the actual wedding ceremony. Overall, a Punjabi wedding is very vibrant and colorful. The wedding ceremony starts from the Chuda ceremony and at the groom’s place with Vatna ceremony. Like most of the Hindu wedding ceremonies, Punjabi wedding is also very ritualistic. If you are interested in knowing more about a Punjabi wedding, we have given a systemized list of rituals of Punjabi wedding ceremony in the following paragraphs…

Rituals at the Bride’s home-

Chuda
On the wedding day the rituals at the girl’s home begin with the Chuda ceremony. To commemorate the Chuda ceremony, a havan or puja is conducted by the pandit. Thereafter, the pundit ties a mauli on the to be bride’s wrist. The oldest maternal uncle and aunt play an important role in the performance of the ceremony. They fast till the event is completed. Chuda is basically a set of red and cream ivory bangles that is touched by all present. People touch the chuda and give their heartiest wishes to the girl for her future married life. Also, they sprinkle flower petals on the bride. Prasad is distributed to all. After that, the girl’s uncle, aunt, friends and cousins tie kaliras (silver, gold or gold plated traditional ornaments) to a bangle worn by the girl.

Vatna
Four lamps or diyas are lit and the bride is made to sit facing them. Oil is constantly poured into the lamps, so that the glow from diyas is reflected on her face. Vatna involves applying the paste made from turmeric powder and mustard oil all over the girl’s body by her female friends and relatives. This is done to make the girl look more beautiful on the special day of our life.

Ghara Ghardoli
The Ghara Ghardoli follows the Vatna. In the Ghara Ghardoli ritual, the bride’s sibling or sibling’s spouse visits the nearby temple and fills a pitcher with holy water. The girl is then bathed with this holy water. Thereafter, the bride wears their wedding attire.The ghara ghardoli and the vatna ceremonies take place at the groom’s house too. But over there, the boy’s sister-in-law brings the pitcher of water. As per the tradition, their wedding dress is presented to them by their respective maternal uncles.

Rituals at the Groom’s home

Sehrabandi
Like the bride’s home, the Vatna and Ghara Ghardoli are followed by the dressing up of groom in his wedding attire. After the groom has dressed up in his wedding clothes, a pooja is performed. Thereafter, the groom’s father or any elderly relative ties the "sehra" on the groom’s head. The boy also wears a pink color turban, which is touched by all the people present in the pooja. After the completion of Sehrabandi ceremony, all those who witness the function give gifts and cash to the boy as a token of good luck.

Ghodi Chadna
The Ghori Chadna is the final ceremony at the groom’s place. The groom’s sister-in-law lines the boy’s eyes with surma. Thereafter, the groom’s sisters and cousins feed and adorn his mare. To ward off the evil eye, people use cash and perform the Varna ritual. After that the boy climbs the horse and immediately leaves his home for the wedding venue.

Rituals at the Marriage Venue

Milni Ceremony
When the groom’s barat reaches the wedding venue, Milni ceremony is performed. The bride’s close relatives give a warm welcome to the groom and his relatives with flower garlands. Rose water is sprinkled on them. In the Milni ceremony, the girl's relatives give Shagun (a token of good luck) to the groom's close relatives. It is done in the descending order, beginning from the elder most. Cash and clothes are gifted.

Varmala
Varmala is the actual beginning of marriage rituals on the involves the exchange of garlands between the bride and groom. Friends and relatives of the bride and groom indulge in teasing and fun, to celebrate this happy occasion. An auspicious time or muhurat is chosen for the performance of wedding ceremony. At the time of muhurat, the purohit conducts a puja for the groom, in which the groom is asked to chant the first few mantras. It is during this time, when the bride’s sisters indulge in stealing of shoes. It is a fun tradition, in which the girls charge a fee for agreeing to return the shoes.

Kanyadaan and Phere
The wedding is actually solemnized with four important rituals- the Kanyadaan, in which the bride’s father giving his daughter's hand to the groom, the Mangalpheras in front of the sacred fire, the Sindoor ritual when the groom applies vermilion to the girl’s hair partition and the Mangalsutra Rasam when the groom ties a beaded necklace to the girl’s neck. When all these rituals are over, the couple gets up to touch the feet of all the elder members in the family and seek their blessings for a happily married life.

Pre Wedding Punjabi Rituals

Punjabi marriage traditions are very elaborate and ritualistic. They begin days before the actual wedding day in the form of pre-wedding ceremonies. Roka is the first pre-wedding ceremony where the two families formally meet to finalize the relationship between the two families. Roka is then followed by a series of colorful and interesting occasions like ‘Sagan and Chunni Chadhana’. As the actual wedding day comes near, the celebrations become more vibrant and vivacious. Sangeet is held only few days before the wedding day and is the most amusing pre-wedding ceremony. Mehandi is held a night or two before the marriage day and is important part of the pre-wedding celebrations. Read more if you are keen on knowing more about Punjabi pre- wedding rituals.

Roka Ceremony
Roka ceremony marks the beginning of a formal relationship between the two families. It is basically carried out to secure the commitment of both the parties. It is a small function involving the family members and close relatives of both the prospective bride and groom. The families involved exchange gifts, sweets, fruits and dry fruits.

Sagan Ceremony
Sagan ceremony can be held either at the groom’s house or at a banquet hall. A havan is performed by a pundit. Thereafter, the prospective bride’s father applies Tilak (made of kesar, rice grains and flower petals) on the boy’s forehead. All the relatives and friends of the girl’s side come forward to bless the prospective groom, offer sweets to him and give him cash/gifts.

Chunni Chadana
On the occasion of Chunni chadana, groom's parents and close relatives visit the bride’s house. The groom’s sister or sister in law presents the girl a red sari, as a token of acceptance of the girl in their family. Thereafter, the girl is dressed in the clothes given by the boy’s family. The main ritual of the ceremony is when the girl’s would be mother-in-law places a red chunni on the girl’s head and gives her some traditional jewelry. Following this is a ritual in which the girl is fed boiled rice and milk by all the relatives of the boy that are present at the time. The ceremony comes to an end with the exchanging of rings between the prospective bride and groom.

Sangeet
Sangeet is the musical program, which is held at both the bride as well as groom’s house. In the sangeet session, wedding folk songs are sung and all the relatives and friends dance to the tunes of the music. This ceremony is considered auspicious as the wedding songs are said to be full of blessings for the prospective couple. Also, this ceremony becomes amusing with interesting songs with teasing punches for the prospective couple and dance performances by every younger and elder member of the family.

Mehandi
Like other Hindu Weddings, Mehandi is also an important pre-wedding ritual of a Punjabi marriage. As a part of Kwar Dhoti, Mehandi is taken to the girl’s place by the boy’s sister and brother-in-law. This Mehandi is then applied to the girl’s hands and feet in beautiful motifs. Kwar Dhoti also includes dry fruits, specifically dry dates. The girl eats half of a dry date and the other half is given to the boy, this ritual is said to increase the love between the two.

Punjabi Wedding Ceremony

Punjabis are large hearted people who love splendor and grandeur. They are also keen on festivals and celebrations. This nature of Punjabis also reflects in their marriage celebrations. Like other Indian weddings, a Punjabi marriage ceremony is very ritualistic but also full of fun and frolic. It is in fact one of the most colorful and musical marriage ceremonies in the country. Each ceremony is like an excuse for merriment. A Punjabi Wedding is very vibrant and celebrated like a big carnival, exhibiting splendid grandeur.

A Punjabi wedding ceremony begins with Roka which is very much like an engagement ceremony where both the family for the first time formally announces the prospective marriage. The Roka is then followed by celebrations like ‘Sagan’ and ‘Chunni Chadana’ performed at the groom’s and bride’s family respectively.

The joy of a Punjabi wedding begins with the Sangeet and Mehndi ceremony from where the real fun and frolic starts. Bhangras and Giddas make a Punjabi wedding more colorful. Like other Hindu weddings phere and kanyadaan are important rituals of a Punjabi Wedding. A Punjabi Wedding ceremony solemnizes with Mangal Pheras and the bride is departed to her in laws home that very day.

Pre Wedding Punjabi Ritual
Punjabi marriage traditions are very elaborate and ritualistic. They begin days before the actual wedding day in the form of pre-wedding ceremonies. Roka is the first pre-wedding ceremony where the two families formally meet to finalize the relationship between the two families. Roka is then followed by a series of colorful and interesting occasions like ‘Sagan and Chunni Chadhana’.

Punjabi Wedding Rituals
Punjabi Wedding ceremony is an interesting ceremony full of several rituals and customs. The wedding preparations start day before the actual wedding ceremony. Overall, a Punjabi wedding is very vibrant and colorful. The wedding ceremony starts from the Chuda ceremony and at the groom’s place with Vatna ceremony.

Post-Wedding Punjabi Rituals
Punjabis love celebrations. Their marriage ceremonies are thus extremely grand and elaborate. Even after few days of marriage, the celebrations at the groom’s and bride’s places are on. The post wedding celebrations start right after the solemnization of marriage at the Mandap. Preparations for Vidaai and Ashwirwad ceremony go hand in hand. Once the couple is blessed by all the elderly people at home, the brother of the bride accompanies the couple for Vidaai to the main exit of their home.
 

Malayalee Post-Wedding Rituals

Malayalee post-wedding rituals are limited to grihapravesham and traditional feasting, which makes the entire ceremony a very brief one. The one-day-long wedding is also followed by feasting at the bride and thereafter, at the relatives' places. Brief though, it is very touching to see the bride enters her 'new home', prosper the groom and his family's life. In addition, the eyes are often filled with tears, when the bride departs from her maternal home. Check out more information on the Malayalee post-wedding rituals in the following lines.

Malayalee Post-Wedding Customs

Reception
Generally, the reception is organized by the groom's family, soon after the wedding. However, nowadays, due to convenience, the reception can be held few days after the wedding. Family, friends and faraway acquaintance join in the reception to wish and bless the newly wed couple.

Grihapravesham
After tying the nuptial knot, the newly wed couple head towards the home of the groom. There, they are welcomed by the parents and family members of the groom. The sister-in law or the maternal relative of the groom welcomes the bride, with aarti. Thereafter, she hands over the traditional deep to the bride, who enters her 'new home', formally. Soon after grihapravesham, the bride and the groom are offered a sweet mixture of banana and milk, by their elder ones.

Visit To The Bride's Place
A day after the wedding, the bride and the groom, along with a couple of relatives of the latter, visit the former's house. A lavish feast is organized at the bride's house, to serve the guests. This is followed by a series of visits to the relative's home (of both the bride and the groom), where they are served with lip-smacking feast. 

Malayalee Wedding Rituals

Malayalee wedding is a very short and crisp ceremony, which is held in the morning. The most preferred location to conduct a typical Malayalee wedding is the maternal house of the bride. However, with the passing time, people are opting for a more convenient venue for both the families of the bride and the groom, say, the auditorium of a nearby temple or the temple itself. Whether it is a very lavish wedding, with a long list of guests to witness, or a simple one, the rituals followed by the Malayalees are generally the same. Given below is complete information on the wedding customs followed in a typical Malayalee wedding.

Malayalee Wedding Customs

Seek The Blessings
Before entering the venue to tie the wedding knot, the bride and the groom seek blessings from their elder ones, at their respective homes. Thereafter, the bride and the groom get ready for the mandapam/venue. Friends of the bride help her in dressing her up, for the nuptial knot. Typically, the bride wears a two-piece sari (known as 'set saree') for the wedding. However, she can also opt for any other sari as well. She 

is accessorized with jewelry (typically gold) and her braided hair is embellished with flower (generally jasmine). On the other hand, the groom is dressed up in traditional dhoti (mundu) and white or off-white silk shirt. Gold chains, gold bracelets and rings add to the appeal of his attire.

Welcoming The Bridegroom
After seeking blessings from their elder ones, the bride and the groom leave for the venue (where the wedding ceremony is held), from their respective homes. Traditionally, the family and friends from the bride's side reach the venue first, in order to welcome the groom and his acquaintance. Traditional drum (thavil) and nadaswaram (non-brass acoustic instrument) are played to welcome the groom's procession, which heads towards the venue.

At the doorstep of the venue, the bride's brother (father in some parts of Kerala) welcomes the groom by washing his feet with water. In return, the brother receives small gifts (gold chain, bracelet or money) from the groom. Thereafter, the groom is accompanied by two of his relatives, to the mandapam. The bride revolves three times around the mandapam and sits next to the bride, who is already present there.

The Nuptial Ceremony
The nuptial ceremony is often called veli. The priest conducts the marriage ceremony. In some parts of Kerala, the priest is replaced by the elderly family member of the bride or the groom. After taking rounds of the mandapam, the bride and the groom sit next to each other. Preferably, the bride is seated on the left hand side of the groom. At the muhurtham time, the groom ties the mangalsutra, (known as 'thaali' in Malayalam), around the neck of the bride. The priest hands over the garlands and bouquets to the bride and the groom, in order to exchange.

After exchanging the garlands, the bride's father does the kanyaadaan, by placing the hand of the bride over the groom's hand. After the kanyaadaan, the newly wed couple takes rounds of the mandapam, for three times. Thereafter, the groom applies vermillion (sindooram) on the bride's her in exchange of which, she applies chandan on his forehead. Thereafter, the couple seeks blessings for their parents, by touching their feet. Soon after the wedding, a feast is organized by the bride's family, wherein traditional Kerala dishes are served to the guest. 

Malayalee Pre-Wedding Rituals

The Malayalees start the preparation of wedding, well before the ceremony. Few weeks (or even months) prior to the marriage, the date and muhurtham are finalized for both the engagement and wedding ceremonies. Thereafter, the families of the prospective bride and the groom await for the wedding day, with a lot of expectations and anxiety. The pre-wedding days are filled with enthusiasm and celebration in both the bride and the groom's home, which largely includes feasting. If you want to know more about Malayalee pre-marriage ceremonies, then check out the following lines.

Malayalee Pre-Wedding Customs

Muhurtham
Well before the wedding, the parents of the prospective bride and groom exchange horoscopes to check for compatibility of the couple, who are going to tie the nuptial knot. If the horoscopes match, an auspicious time, called muhurtham, is figured out by the family astrologer, for conducting the engagement as well as the wedding ceremony. The date for the wedding is fixed by consulting the astrologer.

Nischayam (The Engagement Ceremony)
Nischayam (the engagement ceremony) is traditionally organized at the ancestral house of the bride, to announce the confirmation of marriage, formally. The private affair is witnessed by the family members and close relatives. However, with the changing time, people resort to venue away from their homes, such as, banquet halls. These days, friends and faraway relatives are also invited to witness the occasion.

Traditionally, the nishchaya thaamboolam (the engagement thali) is exchanged by the parents of the bride and the groom, on the ceremony. In the present time, the engagement ring is also exchanged during nischayam, especially when the marriage is few months after the occasion. The nischayam ceremony is followed by a lavish feast at the bride's home or the venue, wherein the traditional Kerala dishes are served to the guests.

Traditional Feast And Visit To Temple
Traditional food is served to the guests at the bride’s house, a day before the wedding. The bride is made to sit facing the east. She takes a traditional five-course vegetarian meal with her family members. In some Malayalee communities, the bride visits a nearby temple, along with few family members, in order to offer prayers to the Almighty. After returning from the temple, the bride seeks blessings from her relatives, by touching their feet. A similar ritual is followed by the groom at his house, a day before the wedding.

Malayalee Wedding Ceremony

Contrary to the perception of the 'big fat Indian wedding', which generally involve a series of customs and ceremonies, the marriage organized in a typical Malayalee style is very simple and brief. Although elaborate rituals are not followed at a typical Malayalee wedding, the ceremony is very impressive to look at. The simple Malayalee marriage is generally divided into three phases. During the pre-wedding days, the muhurtham and date for the engagement and wedding are figured out. On the engagement ceremony, the nishchaya thaamboolam are exchanged by the prospective bride and the groom's parents. You can also witness the exchange of engagement ring on the same day, at many Malayalee weddings. The wedding ceremony is preceded by a ritual, wherein the bride and groom seek blessings from their elderly family members, by touching their feet. The custom paves the way for the nuptial knot, which is tied at the bride's ancestral home (preferably) or any venue, say, mandapam of a temple or the temple itself.

The wedding ceremony is followed by reception, traditional feast and grihapravesham. Overall, the typical Malayalee marriage ceremony is true delight for the eyes. In this section, we have elaborated the Malayalee pre-wedding, wedding and post-wedding rituals.

Malayalee Pre-Wedding Rituals
The Malayalees start the preparation of wedding, well before the ceremony. Few weeks (or even months) prior to the marriage, the date and muhurtham are finalized for both the engagement and wedding ceremonies. Thereafter, the families of the prospective bride and the groom await for the wedding day, with a lot of expectations and anxiety.

Malayalee Wedding Rituals
Malayalee wedding is a very short and crisp ceremony, which is held in the morning. The most preferred location to conduct a typical Malayalee wedding is the maternal house of the bride. However, with the passing time, people are opting for a more convenient venue for both the families of the bride and the groom, say, the auditorium of a nearby temple or the temple itself.

Malayalee Post-Wedding Rituals
Malayalee post-wedding rituals are limited to grihapravesham and traditional feasting, which makes the entire ceremony a very brief one. The one-day-long wedding is also followed by feasting at the bride and thereafter, at the relatives' places. Brief though, it is very touching to see the bride enters her 'new home', prosper the groom and his family's life.

Maharashtrian Pre-Wedding Rituals

The Maharashtrian wedding is a ceremonious occasion filled with colorful rituals, which mesmerizes the spectator. The pre-wedding rituals are as lively as the wedding itself, which is an important turning point in every one's life. The pre-marriage ceremonies of the Maharashtrian wedding are organized to honor the couple, who are soon going to live a new life. Prior to the marriage, the bride and the groom are pampered in a number of ways, such as, applying turmeric powder and showering of gifts. In the article, we have given comprehensive information about the Maharashtrian pre-wedding rituals.

Maharashtrian Pre-Wedding Customs

Sakhar Puda
Sakhar puda, a pre-wedding ceremony, involves the exchange of a packet of sugar between the families of the prospective bride and groom. However, in the present time, the engagement ceremony is only known as Sakhar Puda, which takes place one or two days before the wedding day. In this ceremony, the groom’s parents present a sari to the bride. This symbolizes that the girl has been accepted in the groom's family. Her hands are accessorized with beautiful green bangles.

Kelvan
Kelvan is a puja, which is conducted to offer prayers to their Kuladevta (the family deity). It takes places in the respective houses of the bride and the groom, a few days prior to the wedding. All the relatives and family members of the bride and the groom are invited to the ceremony, which is followed by feasting.

Simant Puja
It is a traditional ritual, in which the groom’s family visits the girls' residence. On their arrival, the groom's family is welcomed warmly. Special lunch is prepared for them.

Halad Chadavane
On the day before wedding, the turmeric powder paste is applied to both the bride and groom at their respective houses by their family members and relatives. This is known as halad chadavane or the haldi ceremony. In order to apply the haldi, the bride is made to sit on a small table. She then receives a blouse piece and coconut in her sari's pallu, after which, haldi is applied all over her body.

Seemaan Pooja
Seemaan pooja is conducted right after the procession of groom arrives at the bride's place. During the puja, the bride's parents wash the feet of the groom; welcome him and his family members. The groom is rewarded with gifts, such as gold chain, watch or ring, by the parents of the bride.

Maharashtrian Wedding Ceremony

The Maharashtrian wedding is full of pomp and show, exhibiting magnificent grandeur. The rituals followed in the marriage are reflect the indigenous Maharashtrian vibrant and colorful culture. Usually, marriages among the Maharashtrians take place in the morning, because the auspicious time (muhurat) chosen for the wedding generally falls in the day time. The wedding ceremonies last for about three days (including the pre-wedding and post-wedding rituals). The rituals followed during the occasion are simple, yet very impressive, which makes the spectator say that Maharashtrian wedding is truly amazing!

The preparations for the Maharashtrian marriage start well before the wedding, (known as pre-wedding rituals), wherein packet of sugar are exchanged between the prospective bride and the groom, followed by a couple of pujas and the Haldi ceremony. This is followed 

 

by the wedding ceremony, which is also kept short and sweet. The post-wedding rituals are divided into two phases, wherein the bride bids goodbye to her home and enters her groom's to start a new life with him. Overall, Maharashtrian wedding ceremony is truly delightful to look at, right from its pre-wedding to the post-wedding customs. Here in this section, we provide you complete information on the rituals followed in a typical Maharashtrian wedding ceremony.

Maharashtrian Pre-Wedding Rituals
The Maharashtrian wedding is a ceremonious occasion filled with colorful rituals, which mesmerizes the spectator. The pre-wedding rituals are as lively as the wedding itself, which is an important turning point in every one's life. The pre-marriage ceremonies of the Maharashtrian wedding are organized to honor the couple, who are soon going to live a new life. Prior to the marriage, the bride and the groom are pampered in a number of ways, such as, applying turmeric powder and showering of gifts.

Maharashtrian Wedding Rituals
The traditional Maharashtrian wedding is organized with religious observance. It is a simple ceremony, wherein the bride and the groom tie the wedding knot and pledge their lifetime companionship to the other half, in a very special way. The wedding, which is usually held in a mandap, is a brief affair consisting of antarpaat, Laxmi Narayan puja and jhal phirawne.

Maharashtrian Post-Wedding Rituals
Maharashtrian post-wedding rituals are as simple as the customs followed on the day of the wedding. After tying the nuptial knot, the bride and the groom seek the blessings of the elderly people of their family, feast on a lavish dinner at the reception party and enter the latter's home to start a new life. The entire post-wedding ceremony, although observed religiously, incorporates a number of things that make it very interesting to witness.

Bengali Post-Wedding Rituals

Proud of their cultural heritage, the Bengalis in India organize their wedding in a unique way and mark the culmination of the ceremony in their own impressive style. The rituals conducted post-wedding is divided into three broad phases, wherein the bride departs her maternal home and joins her groom, to settle down in the latter's home and start a new life there. The Bengali post-marriage ceremonies are very charming to look at. At times, they fill the spectator's eyes with tears, especially when the bride bids goodbye to her maternal home. If you want to know more about the Bengali post-wedding rituals, then go through the following lines.

Bengali Post-Wedding Customs

Bidaai
Bidaai, the highly emotional ceremony, is conducted soon after the nuptial knot is tied. As the bride steps out of her maternal home, she throws a handful of rice over her head, into her mother's aanchal. This gesture indicates that the bride has repaid all the debts to her mother and that she wishes prosperity to her maternal home, as she departs to prosper her man's life.

 

Basar Ghar
After bidaai, it is the time to bid a warm welcome to the newly wed, at the groom's place. The bride enters the groom's house after dipping her feet in a thali containing alta (red color) and milk. After the feet of the bride are imprinted on the floor of the house, her sister-in-law takes her into her new house. She is then presented with the traditional red and ivory bangles, which symbolizes that by now, she is a married woman. She is also presented with a metal bangle called loha, which she should wear for the rest of her life.

Bashi Biye
On the next morning after wedding, the groom applies vermilion on his wife’s forehead. Thereafter, the newly wed couple visits the mandap, where they worship the Sun God. The purohit is also present at this time.

Bou Baran
Bou Baran ritual is performed to give a warm welcome to the newly wed in the groom’s house. The female members of the house pour water under the vehicle, when the couple boards it. The groom's elder brother's wife takes a plate containing lac dye and milk and places it under the bride's feet. After the bride's feet are imprinted on the floor of the house, she is lead to the house. The elders of the house shower blessings on the newly wed couple.

Bharan Poshan & Bahubhaat
The bou baran ritual is followed by a welcome meal at the groom's house, when he offers a plate containing sweets and a sari to the bride, to symbolize that hereafter; he would take care and satisfy all her needs. The bride then prepares a rice dish, the ceremony that is known as bahubhaat, in order to serve the family. This custom symbolizes that she has finally entered into the family, as one of its member.

Kaal Ratri
An interesting Bengali post-wedding ritual is the kaal ratri, which is conducted on the second night after the wedding. According to the tradition, the bride and the groom are not allowed even to look at each other, during kaal ratri.

Dira Gaman
Dira gaman is a ritual wherein the newly wed couple visits the bride's house, for the first time after the wedding. It is this time, when the thread, which was tied on the wrist of the bride by the purohit during the wedding, is formally cut. This auspicious occasion is marked by the blowing of conch shells, accompanied by ululation.

Phool Shojja and Suhaag Raat
The culmination of the wedding is marked by phool shojja and the suhaag raat. Phool shojja means the decoration of the bride and groom's bedroom with flowers.

Bengali Wedding Rituals

The tying of nuptial knot in the traditional Bengali style entails an elaborate and long affair, with series of colorful and charming rituals. Since wedding is a significant occasion in one's life, the day is organized in one of the most elegant ways, which makes a Bengali wedding a very special one to look forward to. The rituals truly mesmerize the spectator and leave him/her with only one thought in mind - Bengali wedding is truly amazing! In this article, we have described the Bengali wedding rituals observed by the Bengali people all over India.

Bengali Wedding Customs

Welcoming The Groom
When the marriage procession of the groom (with ringing of bells, blowing of conch shells and ululation) arrives at the doorsteps of the bride’s residence, they are greeted with fresh flowers. An elderly female relative of the bride holds the baran dala. The plate is first touched to the groom's forehead, then to the ground. Thereafter, it is touched back again to his forehead. The groom is then given sweets and sherbet. As the groom enters the bride’s house, rosewater is sprinkled on him.

Shubho Drishti Ritual
After the groom is welcomed by the bride's family, he is brought to the mandap, where the wedding is conducted. Meanwhile, the bride is carried to the mandap in a piri, accompanied by four of her friends. When all these are done, the bride keeps her eyes hidden with a beetle leaf that she holds in her palm. She is then rotated seven times around the groom and then placed in front of him. Now, the bride and the groom face each other for the first time during the wedding. It is wonderful to see bride blushing, when she peeps through the beetle leaf, which she holds in her palm, to have a glimpse of her significant half. This is called the shubho drishti ritual of Bengali wedding.

Mala Badal Ceremony
The shubho drishti ritual is followed by the mala badal ceremony, wherein the bride and the groom exchange flower garlands for three times, while the purohit chants the mantras (to conduct the wedding).

Saat Paak & Sampradhan
As a part of Saat Paak ritual, the bride is made to sit on a low wooden stool called pidi that is lifted by her brothers. Thereafter, the paternal or maternal uncle of the bride gives her away, which is known as 'sampradhan'. Now, the groom chants the mantra along with the priest. The girl is taken around the groom in circles seven times. It signifies their union.

Bengali Pre-Wedding Rituals

Bengali pre-wedding rituals are very delightful to look at. The ceremonies conducted before the marriage symbolize that they eagerly look forward to the important day in the life of the couple, who are soon going to tie the nuptial knot. Bengalis have a very charming way of pampering the bride and the groom before the wedding, and for the purpose, they have set aside certain rituals that largely include pujas and exchange of gifts. This is often followed by feasting, which can be both simple and lavish. Go through the following lines to know all about the Bengali pre-wedding rituals.

Bengali Pre-Wedding Customs

Adan Pradan
Literally termed as give and take, the adan pradhan ritual involves the matching of ancestral lines (bangsas) of the bride and the groom, in the presence of a purohit (priest). This way, the two families ensure that the couple going to tie the wedding knot does not belong to the same gotra (lineage).

 

Aashirwad (Patri Patra)
The marriage alliance between the two families is confirmed by patri patra, a ritual that takes place a couple of days before the wedding. The purohit arrives at the residence of the bride or the groom, with an idol of Lord Narayan, to conduct patri patra. After the ritual is over, the bride's family pays a visit to the groom and blesses him in the presence of the priest. This is reciprocated by the groom's family.

Vridhi Puja
Vridhi puja is conducted a day before the wedding in the remembrance of the ancestors of the bride and groom. Beautiful Rangoli is made and Lord Narayan is worshipped. According to the tradition, the vridhi puja is conducted by a paternal uncle of the bride or the groom. Tradition demands that the uncle and the bride/groom should stay on a liquid diet during the vridhi puja.

Dodhi Mangal
Conducted at the dawn on the day of the wedding, Dodhi Mangal is a ceremony in which ten married women fetch water from a nearby pond in order to bathe the bride/groom. Thereafter, they serve a lavish feast to the bride/groom. The lip smacking meal consists of macher laija bhaja (fried fish), jal dhala bhaja (rice cooked in water), curd and chiruya.

Wedding Piris
Piris, wooden seats painted and decorated by a relative or friend, are used to seat the bride and the groom during the wedding ceremony. The wedding piris is usually brought a day before or on the wedding day, to the bride's home. Exchange of gifts takes place between the two families. When the wedding piris is handed over, conch shells are blown, accompanied by ululation.

Gae Halud Tattva
Gae halud tattva ritual takes place before the turmeric ceremony. The groom’s parents send some gifts for the bride. The gift, called the gae halud tattva, usually consists of six saris, cosmetics, fish, assorted sweets, curd, paan, dhaan and durba. A relative of the groom is chosen to deliver the gifts at the bride's residence. The relative, along with an entourage of servants bearing the gifts, are welcomed to the bride's place by blowing of conch shells. The bearers are rewarded with sweets and bakshish for their service.

Adhibas Tattva
In order to reciprocate the honor shown by the groom's family, the bride's family sends the former gifts, which is called abhidas tattva. The gift usually includes a saree for the groom's mother, and fish, sweets, curd, paan, dhaan, and durba. The gifts are arranged on a brass plate, borne by the servants from the bride's house. The bearers are warmly welcomed by the groom's family.

Snan
Snan is the bathing ritual that is individually followed by the bride and the groom, in late afternoon on the wedding day. During the snan ceremony, a couple of married women apply the paste of turmeric and oil on the bride/groom’s hair and body. Thereafter, the bride/groom is given a new set of clothes that is gifted by his/her in-laws. The old worn clothes of the bride/groom are given away to the napti (barber).

Sankha Porana
Sankha porana is the tradition of wearing shankha porana or conch shell bangles that have been dipped in turmeric water. This tradition is followed by the bride after bathing and dressing up in a new sari.

Dressing Up The Bride
Dressing up the bride is a ritual in itself, in the traditional Bengali marriage. The bride is adorned with jewelry and crown. When she is fully dressed and ready to go to the mandap, her face is adorned with a design of mukut using the chandan paste.

Mandap
In the preparation of mandap, two banana trees are planted and rice paste is used to make a large alpana. The mandap is beautified with fresh flowers and flashy lights.

Bengali Wedding Ceremony

Bengalis have a rich culture to boast of and a whole set of interesting rituals for their marriages. Each Bengali wedding is made special in its own terms, by the colorful traditions and customs that are followed before, during and after the ceremony. Whether it is a simple or a lavish Bengali wedding, you would witness all the rituals strictly followed by the family of the couple. It is very interesting just to witness a Bengali wedding, because the people engaged in the preparations are fully animated, right from the pre-wedding to the post-wedding ceremonies, while the bride and the groom are pampered and made feel very special about themselves and the ceremony.

A Bengali wedding typically consists of rituals that are divided into three phases- the pre-wedding, wedding and post wedding ceremony. The pre-wedding starts a couple of days before the wedding, wherein

 

puja is conducted by the purohit, who conducts the marriage as well. The families of the bride and the groom honor each other through the exchange of gifts, which usually contains an assortment of sweets, fish, sari etc. After the haldi ritual and snan, the bride and the groom are brought to the mandap, where they tie the wedding knot. This is followed by a series of post-wedding rituals, which are as important as the wedding itself. Overall, a Bengali wedding is truly a delight to the eyes

Bengali Pre-Wedding Rituals
Bengali pre-wedding rituals are very delightful to look at. The ceremonies conducted before the marriage symbolize that they eagerly look forward to the important day in the life of the couple, who are soon going to tie the nuptial knot. Bengalis have a very charming way of pampering the bride and the groom before the wedding, and for the purpose, they have set aside certain rituals that largely include pujas and exchange of gifts.

Bengali Wedding Rituals
The tying of nuptial knot in the traditional Bengali style entails an elaborate and long affair, with series of colorful and charming rituals. Since wedding is a significant occasion in one's life, the day is organized in one of the most elegant ways, which makes a Bengali wedding a very special one to look forward to.

Bengali Post-Wedding Rituals
Proud of their cultural heritage, the Bengalis in India organize their wedding in a unique way and mark the culmination of the ceremony in their own impressive style. The rituals conducted post-wedding is divided into three broad phases, wherein the bride departs her maternal home and joins her groom, to settle down in the latter's home and start a new life there

Tilak Ceremony

Indian weddings is a grand and elaborate affair. The wedding celebrations begin days before the actual wedding day and last weeks after that. In between the wedding day and the formal finalization of marriage, several pre-wedding ceremonies take place. These pre-wedding rituals are actually traditional customs that are considered to be auspicious for the forth coming wedding as well as the married life of the would-be couple. They are also a way to mentally and emotionally prepare the bride, groom and their families for the marriage and develop familiarity between both the families involved. These pre-wedding rituals include several ceremonies like Roka, Sagaai, Saga, Sangeet and Tilak.

Among the pre wedding functions the ceremony of Tilak holds an important position. The Tilak ceremony is performed in most of the family according to their personal family tradition and culture. The ceremony is held in different styles according to different culture and caste. Mostly the ceremony is held at the groom's residence or at any temple. In Sikh religion, the ceremony is performed by a preacher or bhaiji from the Gurudwara who first recites the hymn and after that offers the groom a date and applies the tilak or tika on his forehead, marking the engagement. That's why it is known as a tilak ceremony. However, in most of the communities of Hindu religion, the Tilak is applied by the bride’s brother on the groom’s forehead.

In some caste it is called the Chenkai Ceremony. Traditionally, the bride and her mother do not attend this ceremony; mostly the male family members and relatives of the bride attend the function. In many families, the tilak and engagement ceremony is celebrated together. Traditionally, the bride's father looks after all the ceremonial activities. The ceremony of tilak brings together both the families where the elders of both the families. In fact, the actual motive behind its celebration is to enhance the bonding between the two families.

The Tilak ceremony begins from a pooja or havan where the bride and the groom’s family pray for a happy and auspicious future of the would-be couple. After the pooja rituals the bride's father offers gifts to the groom and his family members. The gifts include clothes, sweets and fruits and other items for the groom and his family members. Following the ceremony, the groom's father sends gifts of sugar, coconut, rice, clothes, jewelry and henna to the bride. Friends and relatives from the groom's family carry those gifts for the bride and her family members.

Sangeet Party

Indian Wedding is not only about serious rituals and customs rather it is also full of several fun filled rituals and frothy moments. Though people in India regard marriage more as a religious affair, the elements of fun and frolic are also added into it, to make this emotional affair, somewhat light and amusing. In fact, most of the pre-wedding rituals are designed in away that there is a scope of entertainment. Be it haldi, mehendi or sangeet, all the pre-wedding ceremonies are full of light and amusing moments; however among all the pre wedding celebrations sangeet party is the most enjoyable one.

The sangeet ceremony is also known as ‘gaun’. This custom heightens the excitement of wedding festivities. In the earlier days the custom of gaun used to last for ten days but with the passage of time, as people didn't have more time to spend due to demanding work schedules, the custom has usually reduced to a one night function. At the bride's home women relatives and friends play the dholki and sing suhaag, which is a traditional folk song. Songs include 'jokes' about the in-laws, and would be husband how to have a successful marriage like and songs about the bride leaving her parents home. Similarly the women at the groom's home sing songs called ghoriya. Traditionally only the women celebrated this ceremony but nowadays the concept has changed as both men and women participate to celebrate this occasion.

In most of the families, the sangeet party is celebrated on an elaborate scale and is a very grand affair. However, in some families, it is also celebrated along with the mehendi function. It is generally done to save time. The sangeet party may be celebrated both as a separate or a joint event in both the families. However people generally prefer to make it a joint affair nowadays to make it more interesting and amusing. As a joint affair before the marriage ceremony, it also becomes a platform developing familiarity of the bride and groom with each others family.

Though sangeet function is an important pre-wedding function of all north Indian weddings, it is most popular trend among Gujaratis and Punjabis. Among the Gujaratis Garba dance is a favored alternative. They are mostly held in a big hall, which are beautifully decorated where people come dressed in ethnic Gujarati wear. The sangeet party mainly involves traditional dance, which is known as Garba, and dandia raas, which is dancing with sticks. The Raas Garba usually ends with a light supper for all those attending. In Punjabis, the Giddha nad Bhangra are the popular dance forms for the Sangeet night ceremony.

Mehendi Celebration

Weddings in India are considered to be a sacred and sanctified ritual. They are long ritualistic and elaborate affair with lots of pre-wedding, wedding, post wedding ritual. The occasion of Mehendi is one of the most important pre-wedding rituals. It is fun a filled ritual, which is celebrated mainly by the bride's family. Different regions of the country celebrate the ritual in a different way according to their own marriage customs, rituals, and culture. The celebrations also depend on the wealth and status of the people. The bride's family celebrates Mehendi party for gathering bride’s friends and relatives for blessing the bride as well as for amusement.

The ceremony is mostly held at bride's place or sometimes in a banquet hall on the eve of the marriage ceremony or few days before the marriage. On this occasion a professional henna designer or some relative applies mehendi to the bride’s hands and feet. There are few places in India where it is a ritual that the first motif of henna or mehendi is applied by the bride’s sister-in-law whereas there are some places where the first mehendi motif is said to be auspicious if applied by bride’s mother.

The Mehendi or henna motif is not only the adoration of the bride rather it epitomizes her transformation from a virgin girl to a temptress for her husband. As per Kama Sutra, henna is one of the sixty four arts of women. Popular motifs of the bridal mehendi are conchshell, flowers, Kalash, peacock, doli and baraat patterns. The intricate motifs of the bridal henna also hide the husband’s name. It is said that the husband’s name in the intricate henna motifs is made for the groom who has to find out his name in his bride’s mehendi as an evidence of his sharp eyes and active brain to impress his girl.

Mehendi function is usually organized with the sangeet function. So, it has a festive feel to it with the women dancing and singing traditional songs on the mehendi ritual. The bride is dressed in light color clothes with light jewelry. According to the custom the bride must not step out of the house after the mehendi ritual until the wedding day. It is believed that the darker and deeper the henna stains the more the husband and the in-laws will love her bride. The ritual of mehendi signifies the strength and power of love in a marriage so it is regarded good omen for the would-be bride. It is said that the long the bride retains the mehendi, the more auspicious would be her future. 

Engagement Ceremony

Marriage is regarded as the most important social as well as religious event in Indian culture. The concept of marriage can be traced back to Vedic times. Even now, it is considered to be the most sacred and vital affair in one’s life. An Indian weddings, as known to everybody, is extremely elaborate and intricate affair. The wedding related rituals begin days before the wedding ceremony in forms of pre-wedding rituals. One of the most important pre-wedding rituals amongst them is the Engagement Ritual. Though most of the people believe that this trend of ‘engagement ceremony’ came from the west but if you look deep in to the Indian traditions, the engagement ceremonies exist in one form or the other in different communities of India from a long time. It is known as misri, ring ceremony, aashirwad, and mangni in different Indian communities.

Engagement ceremony is almost celebrated in the same manner in almost all the religions except for certain variations according to their community and family rituals. Generally, the engagement ceremony is organized at the bride’s place or some banquet hall. The family and relative of bride and groom gather to celebrate the first formal party of the forth coming wedding ceremony. Both the families exchange gifts, sweets and good wishes. A formal ring ceremony is then done to solemnize the engagement ceremony. The prospective bride and groom are then introduced to each other’s family. A lunch or a dinner (depending up on the time of function) is organized for all the family members and guests present at the ceremony.

Different Kinds of Engagement Ceremonies in India

• In Gujarati customs, the engagement function is called Sagaai. In a Sagaai, the bride's family arrives with ‘Matli', a steel container full of sweets and gifts for the groom and his family.
• In Christians, the engagement ceremony is very much like a social gathering and formal announcement of marriage where the would-be groom and bride exchange engagement rings.
• In most of the North Indian states, the ceremony is held as soon as the marriage details are finalized. Along with the ring ceremony, the ritual of ‘Tilak' i.e. greeting the groom with auspicious vermilion paste and rice is performed by bride's brother. Then the exchange of baskets of fruits, dry fruits and sweets takes place between both the families. The bride is also gifted with some traditional family Jewelry from the groom's parents.
• In the South Indian families, the engagement ceremony is quite different from those of North Indian families; you will be surprised to know that the presence of the groom and bride is not compulsory on the engagement function. The engagement ceremony in South India is more like a commitment between both the families of the would-be bride and groom. The most important ritual in the south Indian engagement function is the exchange of 'tattu' i.e. 'engagement plate' which consists of coconut, flowers, turmeric, beetle nuts and beetle leaves.

Tilak Decor Tips

Centered on the groom, tilak is a pre wedding ceremony and signifies that the prospective groom is affirmed by the father of the to-be bride, for his daughter.   Mainly held at the groom's residence, the members from the bride's side bring gifts for the groom and his family in the form of fruits, sweets and clothing. Traditionally, the bride and her mother do not attend this ceremony. Mostly, it's the male family members and relatives of the bride, who attend the function. The Decor of the function usually varies according to the regions, as each region has its influence on the Decor. Since weddings, today, are mostly organized keeping a theme in mind, the decorations for the tilak ceremony also adheres to the same theme. To get tips on how to decorate the house for the tilak ceremony, read through the following lines.

Tilak Ceremony Decoration

• The decoration for the tilak ceremony is dependant on certain factors such as the theme of the wedding, budget of the wedding or even personal taste.
• If there is a definite color code or theme of the wedding, the Decor for the tilak ceremony would be done in the same manner. For instance, if red and green is the theme that is followed, the tilak ceremony Decor would also be done in the same manner.
• The budget set is one of the most important factors, when it comes to decorations for the tilak ceremony. The amount of money you are willing to spend would determine the look of the ceremony place.
• The entrance of the home is one of the first places, which requires appropriate concern. A colorful rangoli can be a very good option to explore. Using flowers, colorful powder, diyas, and so on, create an artistic rangoli. Also, place decorative kalash to enhance the look completely.
• In case you want to give the place a traditional outlook, using Indian ethnic colors like orange, red, maroon or bandhni drapes, along with gold tissue surrounding the entire living area or the place where the tilak ceremony will be held, would serve as the best bet.
• Add to the Decor by placing decorative vases filled with fresh flowers in strategic locations. Make sure you match the followers with the decoration theme and color code. The vase chosen can either be the royal antique one or an elegant crystal one. Marigold, gerberas and roses make the most popular choices.
• Candles would go a long way in enlivening the ambience of the ceremony. They not only add grace and style to the Decor, but also emit sweet fragrance making the place blissful and idyllic. These days, there are different kinds of scented votives and aroma candles available. Choose one that adheres to the theme of your Decor.
• If the ceremony is taking place at your home, make sure that all the rooms are tidy and decorated neatly. A messy room dumped with clothes is the last thing you want your guest to see.
• Remember, the thali is also a part of the decoration. Make sure that you decorate it previously with all the necessary items in it. Generally, a thali is adored with bandhani cloth at its rim, with decorated bowl in it. While one bowl has a paste containing sandalwood and saffron, the other has a paste of kumkum and oil. Diya also features in the thali.

 

Wedding Kalash And Thali Decor Tips

The ceremonies and rituals performed in Indian weddings have certain social significance. The rituals that are performed before, during and after the wedding symbolize the physical, spiritual and mental unison of the couple, who has tied the weddings knot, as well as the special bond between the families of the two. To indicate the union, certain things are used as 'symbols' of shagun for the ceremony. These include kalash and thali. The symbols indicate the strong tie between the newly married couple as well as their families. If you want to get some ideas for decorating your kalash and thali, this article will be handy. Go through the following lines and get some ideas for kalash and thali Decor.

Decoration Ideas For Kalash and Thali

Kalash Decor

• Typically, kalash is a sacred pot containing a coconut that is surrounded by mango leaves. The sacred pot is usually made of brass. Silver kalash is also considered auspicious for the occasion, although it is hardly put in use.
• Kalash can be decorated in a number of ways. Traditionally, people make beautiful designs on the outer portion of the pot. Painting is done outside the kalash.
• If you are not adept at painting designs, then you may paste stickers on the outer portion of the kalash. Choose designs that look ethnic and truly Indian.
• Earthen pot can be used as kalash, if it is beautifully adorned with designs. In many regions of the country, people apply a sacred red vermilion on the pot.
• Since the arrangement of mango leaves (surrounding the coconut) is considered sacred for the entire 'symbol' of shagun, you should choose fresh leaves. Wash them well before use.
• Talking about the coconut, you may either smear turmeric paste on it and apply a tilak made of vermilion, or leave it as such.
• Ensure that the coconut you have chosen for the kalash fits into it, perfectly. It should be neither too small, nor too large for the container.

Thali Decor

• People from different community of India decorate their puja thali for wedding, according to their own custom and traditions.
• Thalis made of silver or brass is considered auspicious for the wedding ceremony.
• To give a festive look to your thali, make use of banana leaf to cover the thali and draw a 'swastika' symbol at the middle of the plate. You may place a diya at the center of the thali and adorn its border with colorful flowers, to complete the look.
• In some regions of the country, people also put arrange a handful of rice, flower petals, kumkum (sacred vermilion), sandalwood paste and various items required for puja in small clay containers, along with an incense stick.
• To give a traditional and ethnic touch to your thali, make use of small clay containers to place the puja items and then keep the rest of the things around them.
• You may also decorate your thali with bright golden and silver color paper. For the purpse, wrap the thali with the silver/golden paper and put zari border around it to give a bright look.

Sangeet Decor Tips

Predominantly a ladies-only affair, sangeet is an important pre-wedding ceremony observed in different parts of north India. It is a fun occasion, wherein the close female relatives of the bride and the groom gather at their respective places, to celebrate it. The conventional way of celebrating lady sangeet is to sing traditional songs related to the auspicious occasion of marriage. Female relatives of all ages, from the teens to the old married woman, dance to the tune of the songs sung by the elderly female relatives and family members of the bride (at her place) and the groom (at his place). The songs are accompanied by playing dholak, the traditional drum seen in north India.

With the passing time, the way of organizing ladies sangeet has also changed. The lady sangeet pre-wedding ceremony has taken the shape of a party, wherein traditional singers and dancers are called upon to entertain the guests. Booking a DJ for the occasion is a hot trend, especially among the city dwellers. Therefore, ladies sangeet is not just a private affair of close female relatives, but a celebration that involves the participation of the kids and in some cases, the male acquaintances as well. People take special efforts to adorn their homes with decorative items, so that the place looks just like a party venue. Here in this article, we have provided you some ideas for ladies sangeet Decor.

Ladies Sangeet Decorations Ideas

• You may resort to the traditional way of decorating your home. For the purpose, stick to the colors schemes that reflect the ethnicity of the Indian culture. Colors like orange, maroon, yellow and shades of red can best serve the purpose.
• Choose a color scheme and stick to it. For instance, if you have chosen maroon as the color for your ladies sangeet party Decor, then decorate the venue with items that are maroon in color. You may also bring in variation by choosing two shades of the same color, for the venue.
• Welcome your guests by hanging a wonderful banner at the entranceway of your home. Adorn the banner with bunches of miniature festive bells that are easily available at the stores.
• Coming to the interiors, you may hang strings of ribbons and streamers from the ceiling. Place a beautiful centerpiece, say, a flower vase, on the center table of your living room. Arrange fresh cut roses in the vase.
• Marigold is one of the chosen flowers for festive occasions in India. For the ladies sangeet party, you may decorate your home with garlands of marigold - hang them from the windowsills, door frames and at strategic locations all over your home.
• Traditional look can also be given to the place by using drapes with heavy embroidery and mirror work.
• If you want to impart a western look to the decorations, then make use of colors including pastel shades of green, blue, pink, peach, sea green or mauve. Exotic flowers like orchids, lilies and carnations can also be used for the Decor.
• If fresh cut flowers are not available, you may resort to artificial silk flowers, which look similar to their fresh counterparts. The advantage of using artificial flower arrangements is that it gives the same fresh look in the house for days together, unlike in the fresh flowers, which need to be changed everyday.

Mehendi Decor Tips

Mehendi is one of the important pre-wedding rituals followed in many parts of India. It holds significance, primarily in the northern parts of the country, where henna is considered auspicious for festive occasions. While mehendi is an indispensable part of the pre-marriage celebrations of Hindu and Muslim weddings, people following other religions have also adopted it, with the changing times. Today, most of the people conduct the mehendi ceremony at their homes. At the bride's place, on the first day of the three-day wedding, her hands and feet are adorned with mehendi. Intricate designs, which look very beautiful, are chosen for the bride.

Till some time back, a close female relative of the bride used to apply mehendi on the bride's hands and feet. Today, people prefer calling professional beauticians to serve the purpose. During the mehendi ceremony, the bride is adorned with henna, and jewelry. In addition, her relatives take pleasure in getting the mehendi done on their hands as well. The expenses for the mehendi ceremony is borne by the bride's parents, close family member or herself. On the other hand, at the groom's place, his female relatives engage themselves in applying mehendi. In many communities, the mehendi is also applied on groom's hands.

 

Since so much important is associated with the ceremony, the home, where the party is hosted, should be decorated well, so that the festive mood is reflected at the place as well. Moreover, the mehendi party should bring together all the right ingredients that allow the bride to relax a bit, so that she lets go her pre-wedding anxieties and enjoys a pleasant time with her family, friends and close relatives. Therefore, do not overwhelm her by overcrowding her place with heavy decorative items. Make use of simple, but attractive items, like ribbons, streamers and bells.In the following lines, we have given some ideas for the mehendi party Decor.

Mehendi Decor Ideas

• Think about the style and the theme that you want to set for the mehendi party. Since it is a private affair, wherein only the close female relatives (apart from the family members) are called upon, keep the theme simple.
• Decorating the place with fresh flowers and scented tea-lights is a nice idea. It will set a lovely ambience for the ceremony. Wind chimes, hung at the dividers of the rooms, would add to the overall appeal.
• Hang a string of bells at the entranceway of the place. You may also welcome your guests by hanging a small banner at the entranceway.
• Ensure that you provide the home with enough lighting. It is wise not to resort to dim lighting, because it is mehendi ceremony, wherein intricate designs of henna are carefully applied on the bride's hands and feet. Hang a crystal chandelier at the place, where the mehendi is applied.
• The mehendi party mood can be reflected by making use of henna color scheme for the entire place. Arrange henna-colored throw pillows on the couch. Use shades of green for the comforters, bedding, table cloth and curtains. Choose the right shades of green for the purpose. Bring in variations by making use of contrasting shades of the color.

Mandap Decor Tips

Traditionally, Hindu weddings are solemnized at a well decorated mandap - a four-pole canopy erected at the center of the stage. Although the Decor of the mandap varies from region to region across India, the basic concept remains the same - to bless the bride and the groom, who tie the wedding knot. Mandap is erected at the wedding venue, primarily to conduct rituals like tying the mangalsutra, pheras and exchange of garlands (jaimala). However, in the present time, apart from the wedding rituals, pre-wedding ceremonies, such as engagement, are also conducted at a mandap. Therefore, the canopy holds significance, since it forms a part of the Decor of the important rituals of wedding. If you want to decorate a wedding mandap, then check out the article. In the following lines, we have given some ideas for mandap Decor.

Wedding Mandap Decorations Ideas

• The wedding mandap can be decorated in bright combinations like red and silver, if you want to impart a traditional look to the Decor. Some of the colors that are considered auspicious for Indian festive occasions like wedding, include red, golden and silver.
• You may use deep gold and red are the basic color, while decorating a mandap. Eye-catching colors like pink and green also look good, especially when you have decorated the mandap according to a chosen theme.
• The canopy can be decorated with flowers both artificial and fresh. Provide a bright look to the mandap by using wall hanging and decorative artifacts.
• Extensive use of flowers like marigold, roses and jasmine would impart a traditional look to your mandap. Make use of marigold garlands and bunches of roses, to decorate the canopy. Drape the garlands around the pillars of the canopy.
• If you want to make the decorations look different from the traditional one, then opt for a westernized theme. For western look, you may make use of netted drapes, silver color instead of golden and complement it with fresh flowers like carnations, baby roses, lilies or orchid.
• Instead of garlands, you may also make use of silk drapes to wrap around the pillars of the mandap. Ensure that you have chosen silk drapes that complement the color scheme chosen for the mandap.
• To provide a perfect backdrop for the mandap, make a bunch of exotic flowers like orchids and carnations, or the most common ones like roses. Hang the bunch of flowers at the center, behind the mandap. That way, the backdrop for the mandap looks very attractive.
• Line the area of the mandap with a bright carpet. Ensure that the flowers you have chosen for the backdrop are not in contrast with those, used to decorate the mandap.
• Lighting plays a crucial role in enhancing the look of the mandap. To set it apart from other places of the wedding venue, illuminate it with strings of yellow lights. You may resort to the economical options of LED lights, or go for the elaborate lighting fixtures.
• Since the mandap is not left empty, you need to place a couple of chairs, for the bride and the groom to sit. While choosing the furniture, ensure that it goes well with the mandap decorations.

Engagement Decor Tips

Engagement is an important ceremony, as it marks the beginning of the relationship not only between two individuals, but also between also two families. Different kinds of decorations can be seen in different parties, depending on the budget and the chosen theme. However, flowers and artifacts find a special place among the decorations used for the engagement parties, irrespective of the theme. The colorful decorations set the perfect ambience for celebrations and boosts up the party spirits within everybody. If you want to make your engagement party the most memorable one, then decorate the venue in a unique style that reflects your perception about beautifying a place. In this article, we have given some ideas for engagement party decorations.

Engagement Party Decor

• Welcome the guests with a beautiful banner at the entranceway. The wordings of the banner should be legible and the font chosen for it should be colorful, sparkling and attractive. Tie a few bunches of balloons around the banner, to complete the look.
• If you are decorating your engagement party venue in an ethnic way, then you may make use of bright red and golden colors for the flowers and artifacts like bells, wall hanging, etc.
• Lighting is a decisive factor, which sets the mood for the venue. If you want to make the venue truly ethnic, then illuminate the place with lanterns and candles, instead of using electric lighting fixtures. If you want to create a romantic atmosphere, then you may dim the lights of the place, using dimmer switch.
• You may make use of mirror work, heavy embroidery, wooden furniture and vibrant colors for the party venue. This is best applicable when you are decorating the room according to an ethnic theme.
• Some of the popular themes chosen for decorating the venue of engagement party include fairy theme, royal theme and that inspired by Hollywood/Bollywood. Ensure that the decorations well complement the chosen theme.
• Add substance to the party decor by breathing in 'life' to the decorations. Literally not possible though, you can always communicate the thought of the wonderful unison of the bride and the groom. You may make a collage with an assortment of photographs of the couple, right from their childhood to the present time. You may hang it in the center of the room, so that everyone's attention is drawn towards it.
• The use of oversized decorative items for engagement parties is in vogue. You may make use of the over-sized cut out of engagement ring for decorating the party hall. Ensure that you have placed the balloons at locations that are catch the immediate attention of the guests.
• In case you are arranging a buffet for your guests, then ensure that the table is arranged neatly and attractively. Adorn the table with a beautiful flower vase or a centerpiece made of fruits. Arrange the cutlery properly. Insert candles, placed on decorative candle holders, in between the dishes. Ensure that you do not overcrowd the buffet table.

Indian wedding dresses

Ready to shop for the special occasion? Wedding is said to be the third passion of Indians. (Cricket and Bollywood are said to occupy the first two positions.) With the onset of autumn all the Indians are in the full swing for the wedding season. All the aspiring brides and grooms start hunting around the best set of indian wedding dresses for the special day.

Indian wedding is like a family festival. This is the time when all the relatives across the globe come together to bless the couple. Since it is a family get-together, not only the bride gets into shopping but it is the shopping spree for the entire family.

This year the market is all set with the bright colors. There are various colors and designs of lehenga- choli, heavy embroidered saris, salwar-kameez, etc. Vibrant and loud colors are back this year. In addition to the various shades of red and maroon which has been the lifeline of the Indian wedding, this year various shades of green and pink are also in demand. Pherozi or peacock blue with the contrast adds to the beauty. Orange and yellow with contrast of red and green would make you feel like the princess.

Flaunt your style with the lehengas embroidered with dabka, Zardozi, neemzari, sequins, swarovsky, crystal, kundan, cutdana, etc. Nalki and gota work is very much in demand. Addition of beads and jamawar patch with zari work will add to the enigma of your beauty. 

Earlier the market didn't have much designs but now there are umpteen designs, fish tail cut enhances the beauty of the bride but unfortunately it might not look very appealing on the plum girls: so what, circular lehengas have always been in vogue. Umbrella cut lehenga also looks very sexy and attractive. A- Line lehenga looks beautiful too. The cholis have also turned designer, long ones with dabka, sequins, gotas or small ones with knotted back or noodle strap. It depends on the requirement and the body shape. Backless choli looks gorgeous. Designer necklines are also stunning. Dupattas with heavy work looks vivacious even with simple choli.

Well that is about the cuts and colors. Now the fabric, net and georgette always enhance the nubile cut of the lady. Saturn and jacquard are thick material which can save you from the chilling cold. Crepe, dupian silk and faux georgette are in demand. Whatever you plan to wear don't forget to buy a comfortable pair of footwear. On this special occasion, it's not only the style but the comfort, which matters a lot.

Groom don't get disheartened, the market has lot for you too. This year Angarkha is the main catch for you, Sherwani is evergreen as it's very decent and elegant. Silk kurtas with light embroidery are also the eye catcher. Aligarhi pajamas will be the ultimate match. Light shawls with light resham or zari embroidery on the border can be used or you can also take stole in contrast to your kurta. Mojdi, again with very light gold or silver embroidery would enhance your glow.

Being in vogue is today's demand but comfort should be the priority. Whatever you choose, right from the dress to the footwear and the hair do should be comfortable because wedding is not the end, it's the gateway to another responsible world. Choose wisely.

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