India’S Marriage Ritual

India’s marriage ritual

Because it is one of the oldest ceremonies that are registered, there are variations when carried out according to factors such as religion, budget, caste preferences and family. However, the Hindu marriage ritual known as Brahma, where the father gives his daughter in marriage, is the most common and appropriate. In He cannot be missing the fundamental pillars of Hinduism: universalism and reincarnation.

Likewise, the ceremony revolves around the god Brahman, this consisting of symbolisms and rituals that seek to convey to the future teachings for life together.

A peculiarity is that such religion does not prohibit union between people of different religions since it is not dogmatic and recognizes other religions even if it does not share their doctrine.

Family

In a Hindu marriage, not only the union of two people is celebrated but of two families, it is commonly the father of the bride who finds a good prospect for her, being one of the most controversial practices of this culture. However, it is not always the case but family approval is an important factor. Once both families are known, it is time to choose the day of the celebration, for this you go to a priest who taking into account the date of birth of the couple, the Hindu calendar and the position of the planets will determine the most favorable dayTo carry out the ceremony.

When both families have accepted the marriage, a celebration known as “The Commitment Party” is commonly carried out in the bride’s house, where the fiancee and the boyfriend’s family will be given.

Before the ceremony

There are various preparation practices before the marriage ceremony such as:

The Mehndi, (two or three days before marriage) is a celebration similar to a bachelorette party where the future girlfriend along with her relatives and close friends women tattoo designs in hands, arms and feet with Henna. These designs refer to love, prosperity, fertility, protection and good luck. The bride’s designs include the initials of their fiance.

El Palla Dastor, (before or on the same day of marriage) where jewels and clothing that they should wear on the wedding day are provided to the bride’s family at home by the fiancee’s family. In the same way, an amount of money ends in one, since it is considered of good luck for the future partner.

Installation of the Mandapa, (the day before marriage) consists of a large store decorated with flowers where the ceremony will take place.

Couple’s clothing

Woman: Sari

Although they usually change clothing several times, brides dress with a sari of the color of their preference, although it is traditional to wear red or other strong colors such as symbols of prosperity, passion, joy and fortune. Still it is also common to see girlfriends dress colors like white or cream.

Sari is considered a robe of approximately 5 or 6 meters that must wrap the bride’s body ensuring that he covers his head as if it were a veil. Apart, a tailored blouse commonly made by a tailor and a long skirt accompany it under. These garments are traditionally made with Indian silks and include embroidered details, as well as golden and red ornaments. It is also common for them to have rhinestones and crystals.

Footwear is usually flat but there is also the possibility of using sandals with a little heel. As for the hairstyle, it is customary to be collected adorned with jewels.

Nose rings, amulets, necklaces, head jewelry, rings and ankle bracelets are the accessories used to complement the clothing and give a bright and luxurious touch.

Man: Dhoti

It is a traditional hilvanado suit that is usually white or cream. It is also made based on fine fabrics such as silk.

There are variations where a kurt is used, a long -sleeved shirt with embroidered silk details and neck gems. On it it is common for a sherwani to be used, a long bag with imperial appearance with embroidery to complete the clothing.

Likewise, the use of a turban with rhinestones is usual to complement the outfit.

Like the bride, there is talk of elegant clothing with rhinestones, although it ends up being somewhat simpler compared.

Ceremony

It is here where the color, dance and music do not cease since the day begins with the Baraat when the boyfriend makes a march, commonly on horseback, accompanied by his guests towards the mandapa. When the bride’s family arrives, it receives it with traditional gifts and sweets, the priest offers yogurt to the bride and honey to the boyfriend, then both mutually put flowers of flowers around the neck.

The ceremony itself has 3 rituals considered almost universal:

Kanyadaan, the father gives his daughter;Panigraham, near the fire the bride and groom take hands on behalf of Union;And Saptapadi, is considered the most important, seven passes are given in front of the fire where each step corresponds to a vote among the bride and groom. These are traditionally said in Sanskrit, however they can also be said in the couple’s language.

In addition, the priest ties the boyfriend’s shirt with the sari of the bride as a sign of union and exchanging draws, at the moment it is called Vivaaha. Likewise, during the Parinaya Agni, the bride and groom surround the fire three times and pray as they pose their right hand in their partner’s heart and in the end they both set foot on a rock in symbolization of the strength of their love.

Finally the boyfriend draws a red line on his wife’s forehead confirming the marriage.

After the ceremony

The couple receives the blessing of both families. Women whistle good wishes to the bride and the couple kneel in front of the priest and their relatives. Then they leave among the guests while throwing rice and flowers in a ritual called Give Aashirvad.

Then in the Bidai the bride says goodbye to her family and in case her new husband living considerably far, it could be the last time he sees them.

The reception of the new marriage is celebrated with more music, dance and food.

Finally two to three days after the ceremony the couple makes a vote of fidelity in a ritual known as Satyanarayana Puja to Narayan, in search of eternal peace and well -being in their earthly life.

Conclusion/Opinion

The rituals of India according to marriage were interesting since they are really different from what seems usual to me in Western culture. I am aware that the controversy in this issue involves this culture, however I consider that when it is not forced and does not violate any human right, traditions and in itself the whole process for a couple to marry in Hindu culture are very significantAnd I find beauty in the idea of respecting both the customs and traditions that have been practicing for a great period of time. Perhaps the level of adaptation varies depending on the region or caste but India respects its culture and does not try to resemble the United States, as Mexico does and I think it is worth admiring.