Introduction to Gujarati Wedding
A Gujarati wedding is a spectacular affair, brimming with color, joy, and age-old traditions. This celebration of love is not just a union of two individuals but a coming together of families, cultures, and communities. From the moment of engagement to the final bidding farewell, a Gujarati marriage ceremony is a series of rituals that reflect the rich heritage of Gujarat.
Pre Wedding Rituals
Chandlo Matli: The Engagement Ceremony
The journey of a Gujarati wedding begins with the Chandlo Matli, the engagement ceremony. This ritual marks the official announcement of the couple’s intention to marry. Families exchange gifts, and the bride-to-be receives a gold ring from her future in-laws.
Gor Dhana: The Sweet Beginning
Gor Dhana, literally meaning “jaggery and coriander,” is a ritual where the groom’s family visits the bride’s home with sweets and gifts. This ceremony symbolizes the sweetening of relations between the two families.
Sanji/Sangeet Sandhya: The Musical Night
No Gujarati wedding is complete without the lively Sangeet night. Friends and family gather to sing, dance, and celebrate the upcoming union. Traditional Garba and modern Bollywood numbers blend to create an unforgettable evening.
Mangal Muhurat: Fixing the Auspicious Date
The Mangal Muhurat is a crucial ritual where the wedding date is fixed according to astrological calculations. This ensures that the couple begins their married life under favorable stars.
Mehendi: The Art of Henna
The Mehendi ceremony is a colorful affair where intricate henna designs are applied to the bride’s hands and feet. It’s believed that the darker the mehendi, the stronger the love between the couple.
Pithi: The Turmeric Ceremony
Pithi is a purification ritual where a paste of turmeric, oil, and water is applied to both the bride and groom in their respective homes. This ceremony is believed to bless the couple with a radiant glow for their wedding day.
Mameru/Mosaalu: The Maternal Gift-Giving
In this touching tradition, the maternal uncle of the bride presents her with gifts, typically including clothing, jewelry, and other essentials for her new life. This ceremony underscores the strong family bonds in Gujarati culture.
The Wedding Day
Griha Shanti Pooja: Seeking Divine Blessings
The wedding day begins with the Griha Shanti Pooja, a prayer ceremony to seek blessings from the gods for a harmonious married life. This ritual is performed in both the bride’s and groom’s homes.
Varghodo: The Groom’s Procession
The Varghodo is a grand procession where the groom, mounted on a horse or in a decorated car, makes his way to the wedding venue. Accompanied by family and friends dancing to the beats of dhol, this procession is a joyous announcement of the impending nuptials.
Jaimala: The Exchange of Garlands
Upon reaching the venue, the bride and groom exchange garlands in the Jaimala ceremony. This marks the couple’s acceptance of each other as life partners.
Kanyadaan: Giving Away the Bride
In this emotional ceremony, the bride’s father places his daughter’s hand in the groom’s, symbolically entrusting her to his care. This ritual is considered one of the most pious acts a father can perform.
Hasta Milap: Joining of Hands
The priest ties the couple’s hands together with a sacred thread, symbolizing their unbreakable bond. This ritual is accompanied by the chanting of mantras.
Pheras: The Sacred Seven Rounds
The couple takes seven rounds around the sacred fire, each round representing a vow they make to each other. These vows form the foundation of their married life.
Saptapadi and Sindoor: The Final Steps
The Saptapadi involves the couple taking seven steps together, symbolizing their journey through life. Following this, the groom applies sindoor (vermilion) to the bride’s hair parting, marking her as a married woman.
Post Wedding Traditions
Chero Pakaryo: The Playful Tug
In this lighthearted tradition, the bride’s brother holds onto the end of the groom’s scarf, refusing to let go until he receives a gift. This playful ritual adds a touch of fun to the proceedings.
Vidaai: The Emotional Farewell
The Vidaai is an emotional moment where the bride bids farewell to her family as she leaves for her new home. This bittersweet ceremony often brings tears to everyone’s eyes.
Ghar ni Laxmi: Welcoming the New Bride
Upon reaching her new home, the bride is welcomed as Ghar ni Laxmi, the goddess of prosperity. She is asked to kick a kalash (pot) filled with rice, symbolizing abundance in her new household.
Aeki Beki: The Playful Prediction
This fun post-wedding game involves the couple searching for a ring in a pot of milk and water. It’s believed that whoever finds the ring first will have the upper hand in the marriage!
Attire and Adornments
The Resplendent Gujarati Bride
A traditional Gujarati bride is a vision of beauty in her intricately embroidered Chaniya choli, often in vibrant shades of red or green. The outfit is complemented by elaborate gold jewelry, including the distinctive nath (nose ring) and Kamar bandh (waistband).
The Dashing Gujarati Groom
The groom typically wears a sherwani or a dhoti-kurta ensemble, often in cream or off-white, adorned with a colorful Safa (turban). His attire is completed with a jeweled necklace and a ceremonial sword.
Conclusion of Gujarati Wedding
A Gujarati wedding is more than just a ceremony; it’s a celebration of love, family, and cultural heritage. From the pre-wedding rituals to the post-wedding traditions, every aspect of a Gujarati marriage is steeped in meaning and symbolism. Whether you’re planning your own Gujarati wedding or attending one as a guest, understanding these rituals will help you appreciate the depth and beauty of this timeless celebration.
