Weddings in India are a multi-day affair, loaded with rituals and celebrations. No matter which part of the country you belong to, or the religion you follow, you just cannot escape the grandeur it holds. Indian weddings are typically divided into pre-wedding, the main ceremony and post-wedding. So if you do get to attend one, be prepared to soak in a lot of excitement, fun and good food.
But what’s most surprising is the fact that, even though there may be a whole lot of similarities in rituals across the country, when you look deep within, every region has certain unique wedding practices that are distinct in their own way.
I recently attended a Bengali wedding and was intrigued by it all. By Indian standards, it sure was a simpler affair. But a few things stood out in the wedding. For example the wearing of the “TOPOR” by the groom. A Topor is a type of conical headgear worn at the time of the wedding. The bride is carried on a “PIRI” which is a wooden seat, while covering her face with betel leaves. Oh, another most unique thing – the mother of the groom is not allowed to see the wedding!!!!
In Tamil Brahmin weddings, the bride is seated on the lap of her father, when the groom ties the “Mangalsutra” around her neck. This is done to the sound of the “Nadaswaram (a long wind instrument typically played in south India).
Here’s something I liked in Marathi weddings. They use a silk shawl called Antrapat separate the bride and the groom. It is removed when the sacred mantras are recited after which the bride and groom can see each other.
With each region having its own set of unique practices, all I can say is Indian weddings are a one of a kind affair.
Have you been intrigued by any Indian wedding practice? Do share it here.
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Categories: Body and Mind, Relationships, Travel Footnotes
Tags: #ATOZCHALLENGE 2016, Antrapat, Bengali, Indian Wedding, Mangalsutra, Marathi, Piri, Tamil Brahmin, TOPOR
Love the post. I enjoy all our weddings actually, each state and group has its own distinct practises, ways of having fun, clothes, jewellery and ohhhhh the food. Love Coorgi weddings for the simple ceremony and night long gaiety of dancing to traditional drums, drinking and eating
http://www.sunilavigauthor.blogspot.com.au/2016/04/wonder-of-mythology-letter-w-of-a-to-z.html
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Oh I didn’t know about that Bengali ritual. Yeah each region does have it’s unique custom and I find it very fascinating.
A Whimsical Medley
Twinkle Eyed Traveller
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So far I have attended only tamil weddings which as you mentioned is elaborate. The other thing I look forward to in the weddings are the food. OMG… (what can you expect from a foodie? )
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This year, for the first time I attended a Punjabi wedding. In delhi, no less. And I got to say, I loved the energy and fun of it all. Our own Malayali weddings are more prim and proper and traditional… this was a huge celebration in comparison.
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I’ve never been to an Indian wedding, but I would love to. I love all the bright colours, and the traditions and that it is longer than just a day
Debbie
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O yes! Totally.. and I my wedding was so much fun.. And I enjoyed it to the core!
Cheers
Geets
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Haha!! Nothing beats The Great Indian Wedding, though too much at times and over the top:)
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Weddings are fun and so many interesting facts.
There is a ceremony just before the baraat takes off where the groom’s mother poses to jump in a well cos the son is now out to get married and she fears that he will not love her anymore. To this, the groom comes to tell his actor Mum that he will always love her and then she happily allows the baraat to take off from to the girl’s place.
Just a fun one. Never happened at mine cos VT comes from a different culture and state.
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