Royal Rajasthani wedding
One of the prestigious events of life is wedding. Wedding is a ceremony which unites two people, man and woman in a strong bond of love, care and commitment. Well, every couple has an enthusiasm of celebrating their marriage in an imperial and majestic way and Rajasthan has proved to be one of the favored places to have a grand celebration of wedding with rituals and customs of Rajasthani wedding. Rajasthan is known all around the world for its magnificent lifestyle and rich cultural heritage. Royalty is a word closely associated with Rajasthan. Be it the culture, food, or clothing, Rajasthan stands apart in terms of style and opulence. No wonder then, the weddings of Rajasthan are a grand affair! People from across the world come to experience the treat of a Royal Rajasthani wedding. The traditional dance, music, gorgeous wedding attires, jewelry, wedding rituals are mesmerizing for any spectator. The splendor of the wedding costume reflects an exclusive appeal. A proper Rajasthani wedding has a number of pre-wedding, wedding day as well as post-wedding customs that are rooted in their ancient traditions.
Pre-wedding Traditions
There are various pre-wedding customs attached to a typical Rajasthani wedding. Some of these customs include the Tilak ceremony where the bride's brother applies a Tilak on the groom's forehead, as a symbol of respect and welcome. Then there is the propitious Ganapati Sthapana and Griha Shanti, where yagyas' are performed with the intention of starting the wedding rituals with auspiciousness and removing any obstacle that could come in the way. The Pithi Dastoor' is a custom of applying a paste made out of turmeric and sandalwood on the face and body in order to enhance the beauty of the bride and bridegroom before the wedding day.
An occasion where the groom's family visits the bride and gifts her the wedding attire and exquisite jewelry, which is meant to be worn on the day of the wedding. Ultimately, these customs come to a grand closure with the 'Baraat', which is the marriage procession. The groom sits on either a horse or an elephant and makes his way to the marriage venue where he is greeted by the bride’s family and friends.
Wedding Rituals
On the wedding day, the Rajput Baraat visits the bride's house. It is a regal procession, which does not involve any dancing. On his arrival he is welcomed by Father of brides and her family male members and after that Tilak Dastoor (Samela), after Samela next dastoor or Ceremony is Toran,
Toran : The entrance of the brides home is decorated with flowers and straw and this is called as Toran. The groom hits the Toran with a Straw to ward off the Evil Eye from his to be Bride. This Ceremony is called the Toranchar. After that welcomed by his mother-in-law, with the traditional aarti. He then proceeds towards the mandap. Here,
Granthi Bandhan (Kanyadan) : After applying some turmeric paste on the Girls hand, the father of the Bride gives her hand in the hands of the Groom. This signifies that he is passing on his responsibility to the Groom. This Ritual is called Kanyadan - Kanya meaning Daughter and Daan meaning Giving.
Paani Grahan : In this Ceremony, the Groom takes the Right Hand of the Bride in his hand thus taking her responsibility for lifetime.
Phera Ceremony : After taking the Brides responsibility, the Bride and the Groom go round the fire seven times. This act is called Pheras. ( in some four pheras are taken in the Brides home and the Rest of the three pheras are done in the Grooms house after the Bride has undergone the Bidai Ceremony).
Phera Ceremony : After going round the fire, the Bride and the Groom now take Seven steps together towards the Sun Gods Direction. It signifies that from now onwards both of them will walk together in all the situations of life - weather good or bad. Now both proclaim themselves as Man and Wife.
Bidai : After all the ceremonies are done, the Girl/ Bride is handed over to the Boy/Groom. Now she is sent along her better half by her relatives.
Post Wedding Rituals
After the wedding, the bride and the groom leave for their marital home. A coconut is placed under the wheel of the car, as the bride unveils herself in front of her husband. Usually at this point of time, the groom gifts her a piece of jewelry. On arrival at the groom's house, his family welcomes the newlywed couple. This is called the Grihapravesh custom. The next day after the Grihapravesh, Pagelagni tradition is followed. According to this custom, all the members of the groom's family are introduced to the new bride and they present her with gifts.
Rajasthani Groom
The grooms of Rajasthan get dressed like royalty for their wedding day. The traditional outfit of the Rajasthani groom consists of a long coat called Achkan with churidar and royal shoes. Their costume is highlighted by a turban, embellished with jewels or feathers. In order to tie the royal turbans, Pagribands are sometimes called in. Rajasthani grooms also sport a piece of jewelry called Serpech on the turbans. They also wear a long necklace and cummerbund around their waists, which makes them a royal and stately appeal.
Our Suggestions
• If you wish to bless or congratulate the married couple, then you may do so on the completion of the marriage.
• If you attending a Rajasthani Marriage in Rajasthan, then be there in the months of November to March. These are the best months of Rajasthan.
• Anything long and brightly colored is considered to be the best dress in a Rajasthani Dress. If you wish to attend a Rajasthani Wedding in the typical Rajasthani Dress, then contact us for the same.
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