Traditional Indian Weddings
Traditional Indian weddings are distinctive in their merriment
. Mostly Hindu weddings last for several days. The number of people present in the wedding could be between 500-1000. The ceremony is full of fun, colour, music, dance and delicious food.
The rituals are performed by the priest in Sanskrit language. He is actually carrying out the service. It is a short ceremony and easy understandable to the non Hindu audience too. The priests are well trained and master of these ceremonies. He formally guides the couple and explains the parts to be performed by the couple. At times the priest keeps the script in hand during the ceremony.
Parsee sister in laws take presents from their brother-in-law during the ritual of hath boravanoo (hand washing) where the bridegroom puts his hands in water and cannot take them out until he pays money to them. Pag dhovanu (feet washing) is another such custom where the bridegroom is threatened with milk being spilt on his shoes, and chhero chorvanu is a custom in which seven fibres of thread tying the couple are detached on payment.
A traditional Indian wedding starts with the parents of the bride traveling to the house of the groom and formalizing the wedding. The family of the groom arranges a large feast for the family of the bride. Gifts are exchanged during this meeting. The gifts that are exchanged depend on the ethnic and religious backgrounds of the families. This ceremony is called "Tilak".
In Gujarati tradition the bridegroom's mother-in-law tries to grasp his nose on arrival of the groom to the venue of the marriage, as a reminder of the fact that he is taking away their daughter and is now accountable for her contentment. Aeki Beki is also a very fun packed custom among Gujarati society.
Food is served which is quite costly. The menu depends on the region where the couple belong to. Sometimes people only prefer vegetarian food. Several games are also an important and fun part of the Indian wedding. One of the most popular one is hiding the shoes that is followed in other parts of the world too.
In Punjabi traditions the brides wear a choori, which is a set of ivory and red armlets by her maternal uncle. This tradition is considered good sign for the bride as it is said to bring good fate to the bride in her new house. Punjabi brides dress in Kaleeris, these are gold or silver coated adornments tied to the chooris. It is thought that the bride has as a lot of friends as there are leaves in the Kaleeri.
The most common characteristic of the traditional Indian wedding are the union of two families. Both families make an effort to make it a memorable experience for everyone. It is thus a wonderful occasion for all.
by: Mark T King
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