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.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Saturday, March 20, 2010
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.
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.
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.
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Indian Weddings
Friday, March 19, 2010
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
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.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
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.
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.
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.
Monday, March 8, 2010
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.
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.
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.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
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).
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.
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.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
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.
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.
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