Bharat (India) is indeed a land of festivals, where people cherish the joy of being together with their loved ones. It’s been a while since I wrote, as I too was immersed in one such festival called Shaadi, or Marriage. In Bharat, marriage celebrations span many days, as it’s not just about two individuals tying the knot, but also about two families and their relatives coming together to form a new bond.

Pre-Wedding Rituals

Hindu marriages involve numerous rituals that last for days, eventually culminating in a grand celebration that continues day and night. The pre-wedding rituals, including Haldi, Mandap, Mehndi, and Sangeet, are typically performed separately at the homes of the bride and groom. However, in today’s generation of pre-wedding shoots, these rituals are often combined and staged like a Bollywood film, with performances that captivate the audience.

Wedding Ceremonies

One of the most exhilarating moments on wedding day is the barat, where the groom’s procession travels from his home to the bride’s place. The streets of India come alive with music, dance, and excitement as the barat procession moves forward. It’s a spectacle to behold, with colorful attire, lively music, and joyful celebrations. For a brief moment, traffic slows down, and people recognise the temporary inconvenience during this period.

Upon reaching the bride’s home, the groom is greeted with tilak and puja by the bride’s family. The stage is then set for the warmala ceremony, where the bride and groom exchange garlands amidst laughter and cheers from their loved ones. As the celebrations progress, attendees partake in a lavish feast, boasting a diverse array of delectable dishes. I must remark that nowadays, the quantity of food served seems excessive for a single meal.

Main Rituals

As evening descends, the primary wedding rituals begin, incorporating traditional Vedic customs that may span several hours. These rituals include the sacred application of sindoor, the seven pheras, and kanyadan, symbolizing the bride’s embrace into the groom’s family. But the celebrations don’t end there. The vidai ceremony marks an emotional moment as the bride bids farewell to her family and begins her new journey with her husband.

Post-Wedding Traditions

Upon arriving at the groom’s home, the muh dikhai ceremony takes place, where the bride is welcomed by her new family and blessed for a happy married life. Given that weddings are primarily private affairs, the groom’s family typically hosts a reception feast for distant relatives and family friends, who offer their blessings to the newly married couple.

Reflections on Extravagance

Although the shaadi festival of India has garnered worldwide attention, there’s an increasing worry regarding the lavish exhibition of wealth by the affluent, exemplified by events like the recent extravagant child marriage ceremony of the Ambani family. The ostentatious weddings of the rich, often glamorised by media coverage, send the wrong message to society. Many individuals feel pressured to match these extravagant celebrations, even resorting to taking loans to finance their weddings.

My view: Indian weddings are a beautiful blend of tradition, culture, and celebration. While it’s understandable to desire a memorable shaadi experience and to tailor it according to one’s financial means, But it’s crucial to approach it with responsibility, avoiding societal pressures and financial burdens. Let’s celebrate love and togetherness in a way that is meaningful and sustainable for all.

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