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RAJPUT WEDDING
The word 'Rajput' means a King's son or Prince. Rajputs claim to be the direct descendants of the Kshatriya clan who were the original Aryans. Rajput marriages have to be seen to believe their extravagance. Here is a summarization of the rituals in a Rajput marriage :
Tilak: The first agreement made by both the families is signified by the bride's brother going to the groom's home with gifts and sweets for the groom and his family.
Pili-Chitthi: A 'patra' or letter with the symbol of Lord Ganesha, dabbed with 'haldi' (turmeric) and 'kumkum' (vermilion) powder, is sent by the groom's family to the bride's. It confirms the acceptance of the forthcoming alliance between the two families.
Mandap Aarohan: A week before the wedding, the sons-in-law and brothers-in-law from the bride's family erect the marriage 'mandap' (canopy held up with wooden posts where the actual wedding rites will be performed) and elaborately decorate it with flowers and silver or gold paper. The pillars of the mandap are painted in alternate red and white bands.
Haldi Ceremony: The haldi ceremony is performed a week before the wedding and is performed every day till the wedding takes place. The ladies from the bride's family apply a paste of haldi (turmeric) and oil on the bride's face, arms and feet.
Mehendi: This bridal ceremony is held on the morning of the wedding day. A paste of henna and 'alta' (a red liquid to mark the auspicious occasion) is applied in traditional designs on the palms and feet of the bride by professional 'mehendiwallis'.
Maira: The bride's maternal uncle plays an important role in most Hindu weddings. He presents his niece with lavish gifts and hosts a vegetarian lunch in honour of the bride.
Padla: On the afternoon of the wedding day, all the gifts given by the groom's family are displayed in the bride's home.
Baraat: Mounted on an elaborately decorated mare along with a young male child, the groom leaves for the wedding venue accompanied by other male members from his family. A band playing popular music often accompanies this procession. On his arrival at the marriage venue, his mother-in-law greets him with 'aarti' and offers him a traditional welcome.
Saat Pheras: A 'pujari' (Brahmin priest) officiates this ceremony. A sacred fire is lit and amidst Vedic chantings, the groom's shawl is tied to the bride's 'duppata' or veil. The couple goes around the fire seven times. Each circle around the fire is known as a 'phera.' After the 'pheras', the groom adorns the bride's wrist with green glass bangles.
Kunwar Kaleo: On the morning of the wedding ceremony, the groom and other members from his family are invited to join in a festive meal hosted by the bride's family. This usually consists of breakfast consisting of an array of sweets and dry fruits amongst other delicacies.
Bidaii: The bride bids farewell to her parents, siblings and other family members. She is blessed with the showering of flowers and coins by the groom's family, thus reassuring her family that even though the 'Laxmi' or goddess of wealth is leaving her parents home, prosperity will remain. She leaves for her new home in a decorated car accompanied by her husband. On entering her new home she must put her right foot forward first.
Mooh Dikhai: 'Mooh dikhai' is a ritual which is the introduction of the newly wed to the members of her husband's family. The bride is made to sit alone and each member of the groom's family meet and shower her with gifts. |
