Tamil Wedding

A state of South India, Tamil Nadu is place which is known for its natural beauty. Apart from the Backwaters and the South Indian Delicacies, it is also known for its Coffee Plantations. Tamil Weddings can either take place in the morning or in the night as per the convenience of the bride and bridegrooms family. The Cultural and Traditional customs are of more important than any other thing in a typical Tamil Wedding.






About TamilNadu/ Tamils



Tamil people are more Scholaristic People and hence they have a simple Marriage Ceremony. They do not believe in much Pomp and Show. All the rituals are simply carried out in the day light. Usually a large Wedding Hall is booked for the Marriage and most of the rituals are carried out in the hall. The date of the Wedding is generally fixed after consulting the Hindu Calendar. Usually in the months of July 15 th to August 15th, September 15th to October 15th and December 15th to January 15th; the Tamil Weddings are not held. These months are not considered to be good for marriages.





Customs of Tamil Wedding :



All the Tamil Weddings have some common pre and on marriage ceremonies :



Pre - Marriage Ceremonies :



Panda Kaal Muhurtham : A day before the wedding, the parents of the Bride and the Bride Groom take the blessings of the God. This ritual is called Panda Kaal Muhurtham.



Pallikai Thelichal : In this ceremony the family of the bride fill the earthen pots with grains. Then the ladies from both the sides sprinkle water on these grain filled pots. The wedding songs are sung and the dances done. Next day as soon as the grains have sprouted , these earthen wares are put in the pond for the fish to eat. It is supposed that the Fish God, thus blesses the to-be-couple.



Naandi : In this ritual a few Brahmins are invited from both sides of the family for a feast. On the completion of the feast, the Brahmins are gifted with sweets and clothes. The Brahmins on the other hand bless the bride and groom for a happy married life.



Nicchiyadharatham : Lord Ganeshas Pooja is done in the presence of the priest. During the Puja/Prayer, the grooms side gives a Saree to the to be Bride, which she wears during the wedding ceremony. A tilak is applied on the brides forehead and her saree is filled with Cashewnuts.



Lagan Patri : In the end, the priest formally reads out the Marriage Invitation in front of all those present, thus formally inviting all to the Wedding.

Marriage Ceremonies :

Mangala Snaanam : On the day of the Wedding, the bride and the Bride Groom are supposed to take a purifying bath in their respective homes at dawn. This bathe is known as Mangala Snanam.

Kashi Yatra : In this ritual the groom pretends as if he is leaving on a pilgrim (Kashi Yatra). Taking a walking stick in his hand with a couple of clothes in it and wearing a Sadhus Dress, he moves on from one house to house. In this pretext, the brides father intervenes and requests him to take the responsibility of his daughter. To this the Groom relents and enters home to get ready for the wedding.

Exchange of Garlands : In this Ceremony, the Bride and the Groom are supposed to exchange garlands. They are supposed to do so in the first chance itself.

Oonjal : After exchanging the garlands, the bride and the bridegroom are made to sit on a Jhoola/ Swing. The Married women of both the families give spoonful of milk and banana to both of them to eat. Then the women make rice balls in a circle, in anticlock direction. this procedure is supposed to ward away the evils.

Kanyadanam : In this the parents of the bride give the hand of their daughter to the hand of the Groom, signifying that the groom is now taking the responsibility of the bride.

Saptapadi : In Satapadi, the groom takes the Brides right hand in his hand and leads her around the sacred fire. This procedure is done seven times by the groom and the bride. Satapadi marks the solmenization of the Tamil Wedding Ceremony.

Oriya wedding

In keeping with the worship of Lord Jagannath (incarnation of Lord Krishna), Oriya wedding invitation cards are first placed before the diety at the famous temple of Puri. While the Oriya Brahmins hold their weddings in the daytime and preferably in the mornings, other communities conduct the wedding only in the evenings or night.

Once a suitable alliance is found, 'shagun' is given to the groom to stop further search of brides. The girl's family presents some sweets along with money to the boy's side. The girl is gifted with some clothes by the groom's family. The horoscopes are matched to find an auspicious day for the wedding ceremony.

Pre wedding rituals

Jayee Anukolo is the first ritual to be held. Invitation cards are distributed among friends and relatives after the first card is placed before Lord Jagannath. The second card is normally sent to the maternal uncles of the bride and the groom. Nirbandh is a function similar to the engagement ceremony. The fathers of the bride and the groom take an oath to wed their children to each other.

Jairagodo Anukolo is a ceremony which marks the stoking of the fire. The bride is blessed with the anointed turmeric and bathed in the traditional ritual 'Mangano'. A paste made of turmeric and sandal is applied to the body of the bride.

Oriya wedding

During the Diya Mangala Puja prayers are offered to the deity of a temple. The bridal saree, toe rings and sindoor are placed before the Lord by the barber and the blessings of the Gods invoked for a long and happy married life.

Borojatri or Baraat is the ceremonial procession when the groom and his family members and friends arrive at the wedding mantap amid great pomp and splendor. Upon arrival of the baraat the groom is greeted with aarti/tilak of which rice is an essential component. The bride is decorated with fine traditional jewelry. Oriya brides are seen generally dressed in red, orange or pink outfits for the wedding.

The wedding ritual begins with the Kanyadan ceremony held at the venue specially erected for the wedding. This structure is decorated with lots of flowers and leaves. This is the traditional ritual of handing over the daughter to the groom. The customary fire is lit and the priests chant the mantras. Seven heaps of rice grain symbolizing the seven hills and the saptakulaparwata are worshipped during the saptapadi rite. The couple takes seven rounds around the fire symbolizing the sacred fire as the witness for the marriage.

There is the ritual of Haatho Ghanthi. 'Laja' which is puffed rice, a symbol of prosperity is offered to the fire. The bride's brother stands behind the couple while the couple faces each other. The bride placed her hands on the grooms and her brother puts the puffed rice into them. Together they offer this Laja as an 'ahuti' or sacrifice into the fire amidst the chanting of mantras.

Brides in Orissa are considered as an avatar of Goddess Laxmi bringing abundance of wealth to the new home. Rice is tossed onto the path of the new wed, the new bride tilts a vessel of rice with her feet to spill the grains the threshold of her new home.

Post wedding rituals

The bride now leaves for her new home. Laajo Hom is the consummation of the wedding. The bridal couple arrives at the new home where the groom's family give her a warm ceremonial welcome called Grihapravesh. The bride and the groom are invited to the bride's house on the eighth day after the wedding known as Astha Mangala. Delicious food is prepared and served for the newly married couple.

Bridal attire

The bride in Orissa wears a sari or a lehenga in traditional rich colors like red, orange or magenta. She is bedecked with fine gold jewelry. The bride's mother, female relatives and her friends dress the bride amid much gaiety and joy. The groom wears formal attire which may either be traditional or western.

MANIPURI WEDDING

The North-Eastern Indian state, Manipur is blessed with a rich cultural heritage and verdant scenic beauty. The word ‘Manipur’ means the land of gems. This tribal state is famous for its colorful festivals and other traditions. Mostly this land is occupied by tribal folks and these folks spread in the neighboring states as well.

Their weddings are as colorful and spectacular as their traditions. All the tribes follow almost similar rituals with slight variations in the customs and costumes. People of Manipur prefer weddings in their own community, but are not opposed to inter caste marriages outside Manipuri community too.

Among the tribes “Magh”, young men and women select their partners at the grand New Year Festival when they get an opportunity to know each other closely and inform their parents and seek their approval. Young girls from the tribes Garo, Tippra, Khasia and Magh often go to the market to buy and sell goods. The boys and girls use this opportunity to know each other closely, choose their partners and with the consent and blessings of the parents get married. Young men and women of the tribes “Santal”, “Garo” and “Manipuri”, while working in the fields together, come to know and understand each other well and are able to select their life partners.

Manipuri weddings are held according to the customs and traditions. In the starting approach, known as “Hinaba”, the boy’s parents visit the girl’s house and meet her parents. The horoscopes of the boy and the girl are matched. If both the parents agree the nest meeting, termed as “Yathang Thanaga”, is fixed. In this meeting the parents of the girl give their consent for the wedding. In the next ritual, “Waroipot puba”, the boy’s relatives bring food items and finally contract for the wedding is sealed. Then the engagement, known as “Heijapot” is announced among the friends and relatives. The groom’s friends and relatives bring fruits, food and gifts to the bride’s house. The relatives and friends are invited and the Brahmin priest finalizes the wedding date and rituals.

A “Manipuri” wedding party puts up a grand spectacular show, but very little is spent on feasts. Usually a wedding in a “Meitei “house in Imphal, the capital city of Manipur, is attended by not less than thirty cars. When a wedding is attended by a convoy of cars it is considered as a status symbol. The men come in dhoti and kurta and a shawl wrapped around while their women come in pink “fanek” and “chader”.

Manipuris erect beautiful and spacious wedding “Pandals”/sheds in which the bride and groom walk around to be greeted with paddy and “durva” grass. For the reception ceremony, at the entrance a “Meitei” woman offers a “thali” or plate with a banana leaf containing betel nut, betel leaves and “tamul”. Seats are provided around a “Tulsi” platform. In every platform a ‘tulsi’, a sacred plant, is grown over a raised platform around which all the auspicious ceremonies are performed.

The groom is given a warm welcome by lighting a “Pradip” and washing his feet by a young boy accompanied by the singing of “kirtan” and playing of traditional music. “Kirtans” and “shahnai” music are played while the couple completes the seven “pheras”/rounds, the bride taking the steps in a rhythmic style with the music.

One woman from each side releases a pair of “Taki” fish, representing the bride and groom, into the water. If the pair of fish swims side by side it is considered as an auspicious omen. Garos follow a similar ceremony in which a cock and hen with throats cut are left to the ground. If they come together to die it is taken as a good omen. Otherwise, to get rid of ill omen, remedy is done through payer and spell by a “khamal”, the mendicant.

Manipuries offer exceptionally special food to the Gods and other deities on this occasion. These people believe, by pleasing them, the Gods will bless the couple in abundance. On the fifth day after the wedding, the Manipuri bride comes to her parents’ house for the first time. All members of the clan are invited to this ritual and they all participate with gifts such as rice, meat, fowls, pigs, money or alcohol and a prolific feast is served to them.

The costume of a Manipuri bride is very unique; she wears the “Raslila” skirt on her wedding day. “Chakmas” brides wear red and black sarong called “Pindhan” along with a blouse called “silum”. “Magh” bride’s puts on a “thami”/sarong that covers the body from chest to knee over a full-sleeved jacket or choli.

Though a land or gold and gems, the “Maniprri” brides wear only a very limited variety of jewelry. In North Bengal the various tribal women wear almost similar ornaments. “Santal” and “Oraon” tribal women wear jewelry such as necklaces bangles, anklets, nose-rings and earrings. “Oraon” women put up their hair in a peak style and adorn their forehead with a jewelry called “tikli”. Brides of “Chakma” tribes wear necklaces, coin earrings, bangles and anklets. “Garo” brides do their hair style using a bun, adorned with flowers. “Magh” women brighten their faces with a kind of herbal powder or wood paste.

The bridegroom’s costme consists of a white dhoti, kurta and turban. Lower class “Garos”, even today, wear a small piece of cloth, just enough to conceal nudity. In the deep hilly forests the tribasl use leaves as their wedding dress. “Santal” groom’s outfits are called “Panchi”, “Panchatat” and “Matha”. The main wedding dress of the “Chakmas” is a “lungi” worn along with a shirt.

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

Juron

This is held in the bride’s home . The bridegroom’s mother , sister , sister-in-law , few close friends and relatives attend this ceremony . Gold ornaments and Mekhla Chadar ( one main set normally white or cream base with golden (guna) thread work gifted to bride which she wears at the time of facing the sacred fire . Mother in law gives the vermillion on head on that day .

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.

Sindhi wedding

Customary Sindhi weddings have numerous colorful customs that make for an interesting and enjoyable event. Once the bride and the groom's families agree for the wedding, an auspicious date is fixed for the wedding. A priest (mehraj) fixes the date for the wedding after matching the horoscope of the future bride and bridegroom. In case the families are unable to find a date, hey settle for a Gudhuro marriage, which can be performed any time after sunset. Listed below are the customary proceedings of a Sindhi wedding.

Pre-wedding ceremonies

Kachchi Misri or Kachcha Shagun is a ceremony performed once the wedding is approved. Five kilos of mithai, a basket of fruits, five coconuts and kada prasad made from wheat, and some cash is sent to the groom's house from the bride's family. This ceremony confirms the future relationship between the two families and is also called as the ladki rokna ceremony. The wedding takes place after about six months after this ceremony.

Pakki Mishri is the formal betrothal between the bride and the groom and is held just a week before the wedding. The bride and the groom exchange rings during this ceremony. A basket each of fresh and dry fruits, one kilo of mishri (sugar candy), eleven coconuts and ten kilos of sweets, some cash, and ten kilos of sugar is sent from the bride's family to the grooms family. Along with this the clothes and accessories required by the groom for the wedding is also sent.

Dev Bithana is celebrated a few days prior to the wedding where a priest installs a chakki (grinding stone) as a totemic deity. This ceremony is celebrated both in the bride's and the groom's house.

Lada indicates the beginning of the wedding arrangements in the groom's house. Traditional wedding songs are sung with either a dholak (drum) or plain thali (plate). This function is fun filled.

Berana ceremony is a satsang held ten days before the wedding.

Tih - The family priest of the brides house carries a bag of rice, cardamom, cloves, sugar candy, and green color silk yarn along with a paper on which the lagan (auspicious time for marriage) is written.

Saanth ceremony is conducted separately both in the brides and the grooms house, oil is applied on the head of both the bride and the groom by married women. Old clothes worn by the bride and the groom are torn off and thrown in the river/sea to indicate a new beginning.

Mehendi ceremony is held a day prior to the wedding. Henna is applied on the hands and the feet of the bride.

Ladies sangeet ceremony is filled with fun, women dance to their favorite tunes.

Ghari Puja is held at both the brides and the grooms place to seek the blessings of their family Gods.

Baraat - The groom wears a crown (sehra) and sits on a mare accompanied by friends and relatives. The procession is accompanied by a music band and people dance all the way along the procession.

Swaagat - The bride groom and his family is welcomed by the bride's family with gifts and sindur (vermilion).

Wedding ceremonies

Paon dhulai - The groom and the bride are seated opposite each other with a cloth separating them. The groom's feet are washed on a bronze plate with fresh milk. The feet of the bride and the groom are measured by the priest with a thread that the bride holds.

Jaimala - Exchanging of garlands between the bride and the groom.

Hathialo - The palm of the right hand of both the bride and the groom are tied with a thread. The bride's sari is tied to the scarf worn by the bride groom.

Wedding ceremony - The bride and the groom walk around the holy fire four times and then the groom places the bride's hand on his forehead.

Kanya daan - The bride's parents entrust their daughter to the groom's parents.

Post-wedding ceremonies

Datar - The bride arrives at the groom's house. The bride sprinkles milk all around the house and places salt on her husband's hands. He then returns it to her and this is repeated thrice. This signifies that, as salt blends well so should the newly married bride mingle in the new in law's place.

Chhanar - The chakki installed as the totemic deity is removed.

Sataurah - The newly wed bride and groom visit the bride's house.

Rituals Of Sikh Marriage

Marriage is regarded as the bedrock of Sikh society। Guru Nanak taught his followers that they should lead a worldy life, that is, the normal life of householders . Recogonising their duties to parents, wife and children and to the wider society. he rejected the notion of ascetism and celibacy. A Sikh wedding has far greater significance than the simple unification of man and woman; it is regarded as an alliance between two families of compatible social and caste status.Marriage is believed to be a spritual bond, and emphasise the concept of ek jote joye mutri (one soul in two bodies). Moreover, the concept of sanjog (relationship preordained by god) plays an important role in the establishment of a marriage alliance.

The Punjabi wedding is a joyful and exuberant affair. Large number of colorful customs and rituals and the congregation of relatives and friends add joy and mirth to the occasion.

Roka

The Roka ceremony is the informal agreement between the families of the bride and the groom। Usually conducted at the girl's house, it involves a small puja and exchange of gifts between the families.

Sagan and Chunni Chadana

Sagan and ChadanaSagan ceremony can be held either at the groom's house or at a banquet hall। A havan is performed by a pundit। Thereafter, the to be 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 to be groom, offer sweets to him and give him cash/gifts।

Chunni chadana

In this occasion the boy's parents and close relatives to the bride's house। The groom's family offer the bride a red saree or suit। The color red is considered auspicious for weddings। Thereafter, the girl is dressed in the clothes given by the boy's family. Then, the groom's mother places a red chunni on the girl's head and gives her jewelry then she fed boiled rice and milk by her future mother-in-law.

Mangni, or Kudmai/Engagement

This ritual marks the ring ceremony in according to the Punjabi ritual and marks the formal 'asking' of the bride's hand in marriage by the groom's family। Both the bride and the groom receive lots of gifts from their in-laws during the occasion of their engagement.

Sangeet:

The families of the prospective bride and groom hold a special sangeet session. Friends and close family members are invited and traditional wedding songs are sung. Both the sides exchange gifts and sweets.

Mehandi

The Mehendi function pertains to the decoration of the bride's hand by the henna that has been sent over by her future mother-in-law. An excuse for more merry-making, there is lot of music and dance during the mehendi function along with delicious snacks.

Chuda chadana and Vatna

The oldest maternal uncle and aunt play an important role in the performance of the ceremony. 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. 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 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.The ghara ghardoli and the vatna ceremonies take place at the groom's house too. Thereafter, the bride and groom wear their wedding attire. As per the tradition, their wedding dress is presented to them by their respective maternal uncles.

Sehrabandi

A puja is performed after the groom worn his wedding dress. His sehra or turban is blessed by his relatives, as is the silver mukut or crown that goes on top of the turban. At the end of the ceremony, those present bless the groom and give him gifts or cash.

Ghodi, Vag Goodti and Duppata Varna:

The groom's bhabi and Sister lines his eyes with surma (kohl). After this, the groom's sisters and cousins feed and decorate his mare. If the groom chooses to use a car for the occasion, then the car is decorated. His relatives use cash for the varna, a ceremony that is supposed to ward off the evil eye. The cash is given away to the poor.

Milni

As the barat procession reaches the wedding venue, they are greeted at the door by the bride's family who garland the groom and his close relatives. Then they present shagun or gifts to the all the groom's relatives.

Varmala

It 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. This is when the girl's young relatives grab the groom's untended shoes and hide it away to be returned after the ceremony for a fee which is Kalecharis of gold for the bride's sisters and of silver for her cousins. This joyful custom is called juta chhupai.

Lavaan Phere

Lavaan Phere is the actual wedding ceremony of sikh community, after which the girl and the boy are considered 'married' to each other. Generally, the ritual takes place at dawn. In case the proceedings get delayed, everything must wrap-up before noon. First, a Morning Prayer is offered. Later, a respected member of the family conducts the proceedings of the wedding. The bride and the groom circle the Holy Guru Granth Sahib four times, the groom leading the bride. The ceremony is deemed accomplished after the ardaas and the serving of 'kada prashaad'.

RAJPUT WEDDING

INTRODUCTION


Rajputs are a sub sect of Hindi speaking Kshatriyas. In olden times the term was applied only to the kinsmen of ruling dynasties. However after the disintegration of the feudal system the term has lost its implied connection to royalty. The Rajputs not a race but a group of clans of distinct origin. Rajput has no reference to race, meaning by that term common descent or blood relationship. The diverse origin of the Rajputs show that they were descended from distinct racial stocks. It is their war like occupation coupled with their aristocratic rank that gave them a distinctive common feature and made the Brahmins recognize them as Kshatriyas.

Rajputs are the only clan perhaps who have carried forward the tradition of the royal family weddings, the grooms' riding of elephants and the brides' decked up in diamonds and other precious stones. The ceremonies are always solemn and the proceedings are marked with ostensible firmness. Thus, in a way marriage is regarded as a very serious affair in which not only the boy and the girl of both the families are involved but also the their parents and the entire family lines.

The Rajput marriages , as a rule, are grand traditional affairs. The royal weddings extend to days and is mind boggling. There are innumerable events and exhaustively rich. Even the Rajput marriage of the bourgeois class is an elaborate affair - with scores of traditional customs and rituals.

MATCH MAKING

Rajput gives special attention to the matchmaking aspect of the marriage . The match between a boy and girl is made by taking into consideration many important facts. The family is the first and the foremost significant of all factors. Every care is taken to ensure that the alliance is perfect. The status of the families have to be at par. It is also very important that the bride and the groom hail from separate clans. The horoscopes have to be approved and matched by the family astrologer. Rajputs prefer to marry within the community only. However, exceptions are made if either the bride or the groom comes from a royal family.

RITUALS

Rituals Before Marriage

Tilak Ceremony
This is the official engagement ceremony wherein only the male members of the girl's family goes to the boy's house. Only the bride's father, brother and other male relatives take part in this ceremony. No ladies accompany the men in this occasion. The ceremony, as its name suggests, has the girl's brother applying the tilak to the groom's forehead. The men from the girl's family usually present the boy with gifts such as a sword, other presents, clothes, sweets, fruits etc. This ceremony makes the engagement or alliance official.

Ganapati Sthapana and Griha Shanti Ceremony
Few days prior to the actual marriage , takes place the Ganapati Sthapana and Griha Shanti ceremony. These are held as very important as it takes place in lieu of the ring ceremony. A havan is performed by the groom or bride's parents to propitiate the gods and an idol of Lord Ganapati is installed. All ceremonies commence only after the sthapana (installation).

Pithi Dastoor Ceremony
This is an exquisite ceremony which takes place at both the bride and the groom's places. This ritual applies to both the bride and the groom. It would continue till the final wedding day. The rites include the application of turmeric and sandal wood paste to the one going to get married. The bride and the groom would not be able to leave their respective houses as soon as the pithi starts. The pithi dastoor takes place on a large scale at the bride's house. For the occasion, the bride has to wear an orange Rajasthani dress. She is made to come under a silken canopy, which is held with the help of swords at the four corners by four ladies. These ladies eventually belong to the same clan. Then she is brought to the ladies gathering and these ladies then apply the paste to her. The pithi at the groom's place is held on a minor scale. Dholans (women singers with dholak) sing auspicious pre-wedding songs while the ceremony is in progress. Throughout the wedding celebrations, the dholans are omnipresent, along with the Shehnai and the nagara players, though the latter remain at the courtyard or the garden.

Mahira Dastoor
Mahira Dastoor is again a custom exclusive to the Rajputs only. It takes place at both the girl and the boy's houses. This particular ceremony involves the maternal uncle of either side. The maternal uncle alongwith his family arrives with much fanfare. He is received with much greetings by the respective families. The uncle then gives clothes, jewellery and sweet delicacies to the entire family. It is a ceremony symbolic of the fact that the maternal uncle has to lend a hand of help at the expenditure that his sister undergoes during her child's marriage .

Janev Ceremony
Janev ceremony is an important ritual of the Hindu marriages . It has the rite of making the groom wear the sacred thread. The janev is worn by men only. The groom is made to wear the janev on the eve of his becoming the house-holder. He is made to wear a saffron robe and perform a yagna with the priest. The Rajputs wear the saffron robe with the thought that the groom has two choice before him. One that of renouncing the world by becoming an ascetic and the other is of getting married and accepting the responsibilities of marriage . At the end of the yagna, the groom has to act as if he wants to become an ascetic by running away. And the maternal uncle tries to stop him and convince him to get married.

Palla Dastoor
Palla Dastoor is a custom quintessential to the Rajputs. It involves the people from the boy's family coming with the trousseau - known as the palla dastoor. A day or two before marriage some relatives from the boy's family come along with a set of things like the clothes and the jewellery which the bride has to wear at the wedding and also some gifts.

Rajput Baraat
Rajput Baraat is different from all other Indian baraat styles. It is elegant, poised and individualistic. For one thing, the Rajput baraat is again an all men's affair. So, to speak it consists of only the gents of the groom's family. Ladies do not take part in the procession. As much as that there is no dancing as the baraat progresses through the street. The groom usually rides an elephant or a horse and carries a sword. Also, each of the other male members of the family carry a sword.

MARRIAGE RITUALS
The groom is taken by the bride's mother to the ladies section after performing the traditional Aarti. He is then proceeded towards the wedding mandap. In all this only a married male relative or a brother or a male cousin accompany him. The wedding takes pace as usual with the yagna fire and the vedic mantras. There are the pheras also. The only exceptional thing about the whole thing is that the bride has to keep her face hidden behind a long veil throughout the marriage . It is mostly attended by the women folk of the family as the men of the house remain busy tending after the barati and other guests.

RITUALS AFTER MARRIAGE

Grihapravesh
Grihapravesh is actually the entry of the bride into her husband's house for the first time. There take place the essential puja and other rituals as the bride arrives at the sasural (father-in-law's house).There take place certain games between the bride and the groom, those alike to the usual games that take place in other Hindu weddings.

Pagelagni
The day following the grihapravesh, the pagelagni takes place. This is a ceremony where the bride, still in veil, is formally introduced to all the family members of the groom who bless her and give her gifts. The veil is then finally removed.

Rajasthani Wedding

Rajasthanis are a very big clan of India who live in Rajasthan State. Though they can be found all over the country, still they are heavily residing in rajasthan - the State of Rajasthanis. Colorful, fearless and adaptive to tough climates, they are one of the most lively caste. The Rajasthani Weddings are as per their nature - colorful, full of live and vibes.

Customs of Rajasthani Wedding :

All the Rajasthani Weddings have some common pre and on marriage ceremonies :

Engagement : In this Ceremony the Bride to be and the Groom to be exchange rings as part of the acceptance of each other. this is followed by the blessings of the elders and the pre marriage feast for the relatives and friends.

Ganpati Sthapana : Before the Marriage Begins, the idol of the Lord Ganesha - the god of Intelligence, is brought in the Home of the Groom and kept inside the Temple. Blessings are taken from the Lord for a successful marriage.

Pithi Dastoor : This Custom involves the application of Turmeric/ Haldi paste on the hands and feet of the Bride/ Groom in their respective homes. As per the Custom the Bride and the Groom are not allowed to step outside the home after this ceremony, till the marriage is over.

Mehfils : A day before the marriage, a mehfil/ small party is set in the premises of the home of either of Bride and Bridegroom. Members of both families gather to see the famous dance of Rajasthan called the Ghoomar Dance. Even the home members dance in this function. The Mehfil is followed by a Dinner for both the families.

Janeva Ceremony : In this Ceremony, on the morning of the marriage, the Groom is dressed in saffron robes. He is supposed to perform a Havan ( prayer before Fire God), in which he wears a pious thread. It signifies that after wearing this thread, the boy will either seek renunciation from the worldly affairs or enter the Married Life.

Palla Dastoor : On the wedding day, in the early morning hours, the Grooms Father and Brothers come to the Brides house with Gifts of Jewellery and Wedding dress for the Bride.

Toran : The entrance of the brides home is decorated with flowers and straw and this is called as Toran. The groom hits the Toran with a Straw to ward off the Evil Eye from his to be Bride. This Ceremony is called the Toranchar.

Marriage Ceremonies :

Granthi Bandhan : After applying some turmeric paste on the Girls hand, the father of the Bride gives her hand in the hands of the Groom. This signifies that he is passing on his responsibility to the Groom. This Ritual is called Kanyadan - Kanya meaning Daughter and Daan meaning Giving.

Paani Grahan : In this Ceremony, the Groom takes the Right Hand of the Bride in his hand thus taking her responsibility for lifetime.

Phera Ceremony : After taking the Brides responsibility, the Bride and the Groom go round the fire seven times. This act is called Pheras. ( in some four pheras are taken in the Brides home and the Rest of the three pheras are done in the Grooms house after the Bride has undergone the Bidai Ceremony).

Satapadi : After going round the fire, the Bride and the Groom now take Seven steps together towards the Sun Gods Direction. It signifies that from now onwards both of them will walk together in all the situations of life - wether good or bad. Now both proclaim themselves as Man and Wife.

Bidai : After all the ceremonies are done, the Girl/ Bride is handed over to the Boy/Groom. Now she is sent along her better half by her relatives.

PUNJABI WEDDING CEREMONY

Like all the other colorful festivals of India, Weddings make an important part of the Indian Culture. Every Indian Wedding is filled with colors of lights, fireworks, songs, dances and Indian Tatoo. Most of the preparations of Indian Weddings begins months ago of the Wedding. Each and every aspect of the Wedding is filled with fun glamour, pomp and show. Indian Weddings are nothing less than any other festival. When it comes to weddings, its time for the thrill !
About Punjab/ PunjabisKnown as the land of rivers, punjab is located just near the heart of India. Standing side by side to the Capital of India - Delhi, its a place filled with grasslands, farmers and simple yet full of life people. The beauty of Punjab lies in its people and their colorful culture. The local language of Pujabis is Gurumukhi, though Punjabis are quite conversant in English and Hindi.Punjab is famous for its fields. Being in Punjab means being in the fields.

Customs of Punjabi Wedding :
All the Punjabi Weddings have some common pre and on marriage ceremonies :

Pre - Marriage Ceremonies :

Rokka : In this one the boy and girl commit to marry each other. Once Roka is done, the boy and the girl cannot marry anyone else.

Mangni : Mangni means Engagement - In this the Bridegroom to be goes with his family to the Brides. Here the rings are exchanged. This ceremony marks the generalized approval of Marriage from both sides.

Chunri Chadan : In this the Bridegroom goes to the Brides home with a Thaal of Shagun. Here the red colored chunri/silken robe is put on the head of the bride and the Jwellery to be worn by the bride on the Wedding Day is given.

Sangeet : A day before the marriage, the marriage songs are sung, dances are done and sweets are distributed among the relatives and well wishers.

Mehandi : On the day of the Sangeet itself, the Mehandi or Indian Tatoo are drawn on the hands and feet of the Bride. This occasion is one of the most important part of Indian Wedding.

Marriage Ceremonies :

Chuda Ceremony : On the day of the Marriage, in the morning hours, a Chuda (Bangles - Indian Jwellery), is given by the brides to be In - Laws. After Puja/ Prayers done in front of the God, the bride wears the Chuda and then seeks blessings of the God and her elders.

Sehrabandi & Ghodi Chadna : Evening is the time when the Barat from the Grooms side sets off to the Brides home. For this the Groom rides on the Ghodi ( She - Horse). Songs are sung and the Grooms family dances as they cover the area till they reach the Brides home.

Milni Ceremony : As soon as the Grooms side reaches the Bides Home, MILNI is performed. The Grooms family is received by the Brides family. Rose Petals are sprinkled and perfume is sprayed on them. First the Elders are invited, then the turn of the youngsters come.

Varmala and Phera Ceremony : After the Barat reaches the brides home and they are welcomed then the Groom is taken to the stage. Then the Garlands are exchanged in between the Bride and the Groom. This is called as Varmala Ceremony. After the Varmala Ceremony, the bride and the groom are led to the mandap. Here they sit in front of the God Fire. Pheres ( rounds taken in front of a small pyre while chantings is done) are taken and then the blessings. The pheres solmenize the Punjabi Wedding.

MARWADI WEDDING RITUALS

Marwadi wedding rituals are very intricate. Let’s get started with the detailing.

Granthi-bandhan
On the day of marriage, when the groom arrives and the ceremony of Var mala has taken place, the bride joins him at the Mandap and the cloth which is tied around the waist of the groom is knot with the chunni of the bride. This is done either by the groom’s sister or the priest.

Pannigrahan
The groom holds the hand of the bride.

Phera ceremony
Only four pheras are taken in the Mandap in a marwadi marriage.
Rests of three pheras are completed at the entrance. These fours pheras observe the bride to be in front for the first two pheras and the groom takes lead in the nest two pheras.

Ashwahrohan
An interesting ceremony in which the bride steps out her foot and places it over a grinding stone. This epitomizes that she will face all the challenges in marriage with courage.
Next, her brother’s place puffed rice on her hand which she places on the groom’s hand. This kheel is then offered into the holy fire of the Havan kund.

Vamang sthapan
A romantic ritual in which the groom asks the bride to take seat at his left side since his heart is at the left side. This ceremony clearly signifies that the groom has accepted her lovingly.

Sindoor Daan.
The groom fills in Sindoor in the hair partition of the bride. By this she is declared married.

Satapadi
They together take seven steps to believe that though they have always walked alone till now but from today they will walk together.

Later the ceremony of Sargunthi is done which is nothing but caressing the hair of the bride by groom’s sister. This signifies the welcome of the bride in the groom’s family.

Paharavani
It is one of the fascination marwadiwedding rituals. After the wedding the groom is escorted by women relatives of the bride and the he is supposed to recite poetry.
Next, the bride touches the entrance of her paternal house seeking blessings and breaks an earthen lamp.
They both are then escorted to leave.

Rituals Of Maharashtrian Wedding

Customs of Maharashtrian Wedding :

All the Maharashtrian Weddings have some common pre and on marriage ceremonies :

Pre - Marriage Ceremonies :

Lagnaach Bedi : The Maharashtrians rely on their parents for finding the bride or bridegroom for their marriage. Once the elders of the house agree on a pair, the process of marriage begins. This ceremony is known as Lagnaach Bedi.

Baithak : In Baithak, the Horoscopes of the Bride and Bridegroom are matched. In horoscope, there are 32 Gunas. out of these at least 20 should match, then only the elders agree for the Marriage.

Sakharpuda : Sakharpuda or the Engagement Ceremony takes place once the Horoscope gets matched. For this Ceremony, the bride is gifted a Saree and Green colored Bangles. On the Engagement day, the bride wears this saree, given by her to-be-in-laws and the Green Bangles. As the rings are exchanged, she is given a packet of Sugar, symbolizing the sweetness she will add to the home.

Kelvan : About 15 days before the marriage, a feast is arranged in both the bride and the bridegrooms home. Both sides hosts a meal for the each others family. Before the feast begins a small prayer is done before the God. This Prayer is known as the Prayer of Kuladevta or Family God.

Mehandi : A day before the marriage, both the Bride and the Grooms family have the Mehandi Ceremony. Mehandi (Indian Tatoo), a paste of green leaves is used to make beautiful design on the Hands of the Bride and the Grooms relatives. It is said, the more the color of the Mehandi, the more better is the Married life of the Couple.

Marriage Ceremonies :

Chuda Ceremony : On the day of the Marriage, in the morning hours, a Chuda (Bangles - Indian Jwellery), is given by the brides to be In - Laws. After Puja/ Prayers done in front of the God, the bride wears the Chuda and then seeks blessings of the God and her elders.

Shubh Mangal Savdhaan : Shubh Mangal Savdhaan is a composite rite comprising of several ceremonies performed in a certain order. There are about 43 rituals connected with this ceremony. It is the most important of all ceremonies and is performed early in the morning.

Ganpati Puja : Lord Ganesha has a main role in all the functions held in Maharashtra. In the Maharashtrian Weddings too, the blessings of Lord Ganesha are of utmost important. The prayer of Lord Ganesha is the symbol of formal beginning of Maharashtrian Wedding.

Seemant Puja : Seemant Puja is the Puja where the Girl is supposed to leave her home. In this the Brides family welcomes the Groom by washing his feet. Gifts are given to the Groom which includes Silverware.

Lajahoma : In this the wedding rites are performed in front of the God Fire. The couple takes oath in the front of the fire; the groom places Mangalsutra around the brides neck, proclaiming that she is now married to him. After this he puts a Vermillion mark on her head.

Saptapadi : After the Lajahoma ritual, Satapadi ritual is done. In this seven heaps of rice along with beetle leaf are put around the altar and the fire rekindled. The Bride Groom leads the bride putting the brides right foot on each of the seven rice heaps, while the priest chants the sacred verses. After this the couple offers parched grains and the beetle leaf to the God Fire. This procedure solmenises a typical Maharashtrian Marriage.