Big fat weddings in India are a dreamy affair. Rooted in their own traditions, India’s sheer diversity makes them even more special. Just like every community has its own sacred rituals, Gujarat being the land of colors, food and culture, celebrates its weddings with pomp and fervor. Filled with fun and joy, the festive nature of Gujaratis reflects in their wedding rituals and practices as well. Today we have curated a list of customs, rituals and ceremonies that are an important part of Gujarati weddings.
The custom of Chandlo Maati
The first and foremost ritual in a Gujarati wedding is the custom of Chandlo Maati. This custom has its roots in acceptance. In this ceremony, four male members from the bride’s side, along with the bride’s father visit the groom’s house in order to apply a red-coloured circle on the groom’s forehead. This indicates that the family has accepted the groom. In addition to this, as a token of love ,shagun is also given. It is during the Chandlo Maati ceremony that the date of marriage is fixed.
The Custom of Gol Dhana
What we call an engagement ceremony in other religions, the same ceremony is termed as Gol Dhana in Gujarati. Gol Dhana is synonymous to coriander seeds and jaggery in English. Both of these are distributed amongst the guests in this ceremony. The importance of doing so has its roots in exchanging rings during this ceremony which marks the beginning of upcoming celebrations. The bride’s family and the bride visit the groom’s family to complete this ritual.
In this ceremony, in order to have a fruitful companionship of marriage, the couple seeks blessings from five married women. The ceremony is followed by Ganesh Sthapana and Grah Shanti.
The Mehendi Ceremony
We all have grown up listening to various Bollywood songs revolving around mehendi ceremonies. Songs like “Mehendi hai rachne wali”, “Mehendi lagake rakhna”, have created a long-lasting lasting image of celebration, giggles, friends, and family dancing their hearts out. Just like any other Mehendi function in weddings, Gujrati’s also celebrate Mehendi ceremony with great fervor. Hosted by the bride’s family, the mehendi ceremony is arranged two days prior to the wedding. Like any other Indian wedding, mehendi designs are applied to the bride’s hands and other family members.
The ‘Sangeet Sandhya’
A ceremony entirely dedicated to songs and dancing is what is known as Sangeet Sandhya in Gujarati. Few people also term it as ‘Sanji’. After the Mehendi ceremony is done and a day prior to the main day of wedding, Sangeet Ceremony is organized in a Gujarati Wedding. The main intent behind organizing this ceremony is for both the families to get to know each other better. In this ceremony, everyone dances and sings their hearts out. Typical Gujarati songs are sung and the guests and family members enjoy dancing on the tunes of garba and dandiya.
The Ceremony of Jaan
Held on the wedding day, the ceremony of jaan is an entertaining, funny and a sweet ritual. Once the bride and groom arrive at the venue of the marriage, the groom touches his soon-to-be mother-in-law’s feet for her blessings, and she tries to grab his nose while he tries to avoid her doing so. This playful ritual is to remind the groom that she is giving her precious daughter to him, so he should be humble and grateful.
Mangal Mahurat in Gujrati Wedding
The intent behind Mangal Mahurat is to offer prayers to Lord Ganesha who is the God for removing obstacles. Families of both the bride and the groom bow down to Lord Ganesha to seek his blessings.
The Ceremony of Pithi
What is termed as ‘Haldi Ceremony’ in other cultures is called the ceremony of Pithi in Gujarat. Just like others, in Gujarati weddings, turmeric, sandalwood, perfume and rosewater paste is applied on the bride’s body by the female members of the family.
Wedding Rituals and Traditions
Baaraat
In this ceremony, in order to ward off ‘evil eye’, the sister of groom waives coins over the head of the groom before he initiates the baraat from his house.
The ceremony of Jaimala
The wedding ceremony begins with the ceremony of Jaimala. Garlands are exchanged during this ritual.
The ceremony of Antarpaat
This ceremony marks the ritual of bride and groom seeing each other for the first time at the mandap. A curtain is kept between the bride and the groom and during this ritual, the curtain is lowered.
The Ceremony of Kanyadaan
This is the ritual wherein the bride’s father officially gives away his daughter in the hands of the groom by taking a promise that the groom will take care of his daughter like he has all these years.
Madhuparka/panchamrut
In this custom, the groom’s feet are washed by a member of the bride’s family while he is offered a drink of milk and honey.
The ceremony of Joota Churai
We all have enjoyed the song- ‘Joote dedo, paise lelo’ from the movie ‘Hum aapke hain Kaun’. One of the most exciting rituals in every Indian wedding, the bride’s sisters try to hide the groom’s footwear and return it only in exchange for money.
Mangal Pheras and saptapadi
In other Hindu weddings, there are 7 pheras which are taken while in a Gujarati wedding, there are only four. Mantras are chanted by the priest, while the couple takes rounds around the sacred fire. Seven steps are taken by the couple which are called Saptapadi after which they are declared Married and they seek blessings of all their elders.
The ceremony of Chero pakaryo
In the ceremony of Chero Pakaryo, the groom catches hold of his mother-in-law’s saree. This is done with the intent of asking for more gifts. Her saree is then filled with gifts and cash which is then given to the groom and his family.
Post Wedding Traditions and Rituals
Viddai
In the ceremony of Vidaai, the bride bids farewell to her family. The bride takes rice in her hands and throws it backwards and the mother is supposed to catch the rice in her pallu. The bride doesn’t look back while throwing the rice.
Gharni Laxmi
Gharni Laxmi means the bride now enters the family of groom. The ritual is to gently kick a small handi of rice with her right foot and enter the house.
Aeki beki
In this ceremony, a bowl is filled with milk which has a ring in it. Both bride and the groom make efforts to find the ring and whoever wins, gets a reward.
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Also Read – Top 7 Destination Wedding Locations In India
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