How weddings in rural India look like? Weddings in rural India are a grand affair. They are often an occasion for celebration, joy, and a display of wealth and status. Weddings in rural India are characterized by elaborate customs, traditions, and rituals that vary depending on the region, religion, and caste of the bride and groom. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of weddings in rural India.
Pre-Wedding Customs and Rituals
The wedding festivities in rural India usually begin with the pre-wedding customs and rituals, which can last for several days. These customs are aimed at preparing the bride and groom for their impending nuptials and ensuring that the marriage is a success. The following are some of the common pre-wedding customs and rituals in rural India.
- Engagement — The engagement ceremony marks the formal announcement of the wedding. The groom’s family visits the bride’s house, and the two families exchange gifts and sweets. The couple also exchange rings, and a priest performs a puja to bless the couple.
- Haldi Ceremony — The haldi ceremony is a pre-wedding ritual where the bride and groom are smeared with a paste of turmeric, sandalwood, and other ingredients. The paste is believed to bring a glow to the skin and ward off evil spirits.
- Mehndi Ceremony — The mehndi ceremony is a traditional pre-wedding ritual where the bride’s hands and feet are adorned with intricate henna designs. It is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the bride.
- Sangeet Ceremony — The sangeet ceremony is a musical evening where the bride and groom’s families come together to sing, dance, and celebrate. It is a fun-filled event where the families bond and get to know each other better.
- Baraat — The baraat is the groom’s procession to the bride’s house. It is a grand affair where the groom rides a horse or an elephant, and his family members dance and sing along with him.
Wedding Day Rituals
The wedding day in rural India is a grand affair, marked by elaborate rituals and customs. The following are some of the common rituals and customs that take place on the wedding day.
- Kanyadaan — Kanyadaan is a ritual where the bride’s father gives away his daughter to the groom. It is a solemn ceremony where the father places his daughter’s hand in the groom’s hand and seeks his promise to take care of her for the rest of her life.
- Varmala– The varmala ceremony is a ritual where the bride and groom exchange garlands of flowers. It is a playful ceremony where the couple tries to put the garland around each other’s neck.
- Pheras — Pheras is a ritual where the bride and groom take seven vows around a sacred fire. The vows signify their commitment to each other and their promise to support each other through thick and thin.
- Sindoor and Mangalsutra — The sindoor and mangalsutra ceremony is a ritual where the groom applies sindoor (vermilion) on the bride’s forehead and ties a mangalsutra (sacred thread) around her neck. It is a symbol of the bride’s married status.
- Vidaai — Vidaai is a ritual where the bride bids farewell to her family and leaves for her husband’s house. It is an emotional moment where the bride’s family members bless her and wish her a happy married life.
Post-Wedding Customs and Rituals
The post-wedding customs and rituals in rural India are aimed at ensuring that the bride settles into her new life smoothly. The following are some of the common post-wedding customs and rituals in rural India.
- Grihapravesh — Grihapravesh is a ritual where the bride enters her new home for the first time. She is welcomed by her husband’s family and is expected to perform certain rituals to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to the household.
- Reception — The reception is a post-wedding event where the newlyweds are formally introduced to the groom’s extended family and friends. It is a time for celebration, where the couple receives gifts and blessings from their loved ones.
- Pag Phera — Pag phera is a post-wedding ritual where the bride visits her parents’ house with her husband. It is a time for the bride to reconnect with her family and friends and show off her new status as a married woman.
- Griha Shanti — Griha Shanti is a ritual performed to bring peace and harmony to the household. It is usually performed a few days after the wedding and involves the chanting of mantras and performing pujas to bless the newlyweds and their home.
Wedding Attire
The wedding attire in rural India varies depending on the region, religion, and caste of the bride and groom. However, most brides wear a traditional saree or lehenga, while the groom wears a sherwani or a dhoti-kurta. The colors of the attire are usually bright and vibrant, symbolizing joy and celebration. The bride’s attire is usually adorned with intricate embroidery and embellishments, while the groom’s attire is more understated.
Food and Drink
Food and drink are an important aspect of weddings in rural India. The wedding feast is usually a lavish affair, with a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes served to the guests. The food is usually prepared by professional caterers or the bride’s family members. Some of the common dishes served at weddings in rural India include biryani, dal makhani, butter chicken, paneer tikka, and gulab jamun. Alcohol is usually not served at weddings in rural India, although some communities allow the consumption of locally brewed liquor.
Music and Dance
Music and dance are an integral part of weddings in rural India. Traditional folk music and dance forms are performed to celebrate the occasion. The sangeet ceremony is a time for the families to showcase their musical and dancing talents. Some of the common dance forms performed at weddings in rural India include bhangra, garba, dandiya, and lavani. The music and dance performances are accompanied by colorful costumes and props.
