19
Feb
Wedding- a knot that ties two souls with commitment and devotion that extends to seven lives. North Indian weddings are one of those fit fat celebrations which involve months of preparations, and efforts. Let’s get an insight into the rituals, customs that play a significant role in solemnizing a north Indian Wedding. Rituals differ among the regions due to the diversity of cultures, subcultures. One thing in common for all these rituals is that they bring in a bundle of fun, excitement, and love.
- Roka Ceremony- The very first pre-wedding ritual popularly known as tilak in various regions of North India. It means that bride and groom have officially stopped each other. Families exchange sweets and gift that symbolizes their consent and union for marriage. Tilak is applied and a holy red “dupatta” is given to the bride that marks the beginning of auspicious wedding ceremonies.
- Engagement ceremony- This event is known with different names like Mangni, Sagai, and many more. The bride and groom solidify their alliance by exchanging rings. The ring is worn in the fourth finger of the left hand as its vein goes straight to the heart and develops a soul connection between the couple.
- Mehendi Ceremony- One of the most anticipated events where the bride adorns her hand & feet with henna. The name of her would-be husband is inscribed in the intricate patterns of henna design. This event is filled with love, joy, dance sequences, music, and enjoyment. Scientifically, henna has a cooling impact and helps the bride to overcome anxiety before D Day. Traditionally, it is believed that the darker the color of the bride’s Mehendi, the deeper the love between her and her husband. Nowadays even the groom applies henna to his hands. Sangeet and Mehendi ceremonies are often organized together. Sangeet is a dance party to celebrate the auspicious occasion of love.
- Haldi – This ritual is performed on the morning of D- Day to cleanse the bride and groom before the wedding. Turmeric and sandalwood paste is known for their healing and purification properties that protect the couple from the evil eye. Turmeric also gives a natural glow and charm to ensure that no one can take off their eyes from the lovely couple.
- Baarat Aagman- This ritual is a welcoming custom for the groom and his family when they reach the wedding venue. The bride’s family shows their respect for the groom’s family through various welcoming gestures like aarti, tilak, and shagun. Bride’s sisters demand shagun from their future brother- in-law which creates good humor and comfort. The bride’s mother pulls the nose of the groom that symbolizes her authority while granting her daughter’s hand to the groom.
- Varmala- Bride and groom exchange garlands on the stage. It represents their willingness to marry each other. Families wish that the fragrance of floral garlands are added to the married life of the couple.
- Solemnizing the wedding- A series of rituals are conducted to solemnize the wedding. Kanyadan is performed by the bride’s parents where they gift their daughter to the groom. Saptapadi means circling fire seven times to tie the souls in the lifelong relationship and the couple exchange seven vows to govern their married life. Sindoor Daan and mangalsutra ritual completes the wedding that unites the duo in all the phases of their life.
Mark
Thanks for your blog, nice to read. Do not stop.