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Gujarati Wedding Traditions

Gujarati Wedding Traditions

September 17, 2023 admin 257 Comments

Gujarati weddings, from the state of Gujarat in India, are lively events known for their vibrant customs and celebrations. Here’s a step-by-step overview of a typical Gujarati wedding:

1. Chandlo Matli (Engagement): This is the formal engagement ceremony where the groom’s family visits the bride’s home to give her a ‘shagun’ (token) called ‘Chandlo’, and the wedding date is fixed.

2. Gol Dhana: This ritual involves the couple’s families exchanging gifts and grains of coriander seeds and jaggery, symbolizing sweetness and happiness in the couple’s life.

3. Mehndi and Sangeet Sandhya: Mehndi is applied to the bride’s hands and feet. The Sangeet Sandhya is an evening of song and dance that usually follows the Mehndi.

4. Ghah Shanti / Saathak: Ceremony for the bride with two other relatives, involves rituals and blessings from Lord Ganesh.

5. Pithi: A paste made from chickpea flour, turmeric, rose water, and other ingredients is applied to the bride and groom in their respective homes. It’s a purifying and beautifying ritual.

Optional: Mameru or Mosaru: The maternal uncle of the bride presents her with traditional gifts, including clothes and jewelry. (Mosaru is the term typically used in South Gujarat, it is done just before the the Grah Shanti in South Gujarat Tradition)

6. Baraat: The groom’s wedding procession, which is often accompanied by music and dancing, makes its way to the wedding venue.

7. Ponkwa & Jaan: Upon the groom’s arrival, the bride’s mother performs the ‘aarti’ and playfully grabs the groom’s nose, symbolizing that he should approach with humility.

8. Jaimala: The bride and groom exchange floral garlands, signifying their mutual acceptance.

9. Madhuparka: The groom is seated at the mandap (ceremonial area), and the bride’s parents wash his feet. He is then offered a mixture of milk, ghee, honey, and yogurt.

10. Kanya Agaman & Kanyadaan: The bride is led to the mandap. In the Kanyadaan ritual, the bride’s parents entrust their daughter to the groom.

11. Hasta Milap: The groom’s scarf is tied to the bride’s sari, symbolizing their union.

12. Varmala: The couple exchanges garlands.

13. Mangalphera: The couple walks around the sacred fire four times. The bride leads the first three rounds, and the groom leads the fourth.

14. Saptapadi: The couple takes seven steps together, making vows of commitment. 15. Saubhagyavati Bhava: Married women from the family whisper blessings into the bride’s ear.

16. Kansar Bhakshan: The bride and groom feed each other sweets, signifying their first meal together.

17. Akhanda Saubhagyavati: Elderly women from the family bless the bride for eternal marital happiness.

18. Vidaai: The bride’s farewell. She throws back handfuls of rice and coins over her shoulder, symbolizing she’s repaying her parents for all they’ve given her and hoping for prosperity.

19. Ghar Nu Laxmi: Upon arrival at the groom’s house, the groom’s mother welcomes the newlyweds, and the bride is considered the bringer of luck and prosperity.

20. Aeki Beki: A post-wedding game where the couple searches for a ring placed in a bowl of milk, water, and vermilion. It’s believed that whoever finds the ring first will dominate the household. Gujarati weddings, with their intricate rituals, music, dance, and joy, are a delightful experience. These ceremonies can vary slightly based on community, region, and individual family traditions.

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