Gujarati Wedding and its traditional customs and Rituals!
Gujarati weddings are best identified for its symbolic rituals. Like all other cultures, the weddings in Gujarat are ways to solemnize the relationship of a man with a woman.
GahoiMumbai.com is delighted to provide an insight on Gujarati Wedding and its traditional rituals…
Like all other weddings in India, Gujarati wedding too are fun filled ceremonies, allowing men and women to enter into a relationship where mutual trust and commitment are catchwords. These are the occasions where two bodies, hearts and souls become one leaving all their differences behind. The wedding ceremonies in this western part of India are an array of interesting rituals and practices followed with great astonishment. So enjoy every moment of this most sacred occasion of life.
Gujarati weddings are best identified for its symbolic rituals. Like all other cultures, the weddings in Gujarat are ways to solemnize the relationship of a man with a woman. As per Gujarati conventions the bond of marriage makes the wife her husband’s sahdharmacharini or an equal partner. Weddings here are considered as holy affairs. The role of wife is more significant as her role is instrumental in looking after all the household responsibilities.
Gujaratis and Gujarat Community are known for their rich, vivacious and colourful culture. Furthermore, they are warm and cheerful, who are fond of celebrating festivals with passion. This is reasonably evident in a Gujarati wedding as well. The wedding rituals in Gujarat are simple and filled with fun. The unique combination of traditions and simplicity is something which makes Gujarati weddings a sheer delight.
The Gujarati community has been known for their faith and belief in religion. Gujarati wedding ceremonies are grandiose and last over a few days. Gujarati wedding rituals are rich and deeply rooted in customs and traditions. The Gujaratis are very lively and rejoice the wedding ceremony with superb splendour and joyfulness.
GahoiMumbai.com is delighted to provide an insight on Gujarati Wedding and its traditional rituals.
Pre Wedding Rituals in Gujarati Wedding:
The pre wedding rituals begin with Mangal Mahurat ceremony. It is performed by both the bride and the groom in their own houses. Prayers are offered to Lord Ganesha to remove all hitches. After matching the horoscopes of the couple, Griha Shanti puja is held. This is done by the priest at the houses of both the bride as well as the groom. The next ritual is known as ‘Jaan’ and it is performed to ward off any evil. It is quite interesting as the groom visits the bride place and touches his mother in law’s feet to seek blessings. While he does so, she tries to clutch his nose and he tries to escape.
GahoiMumbai.com is thrilled to provide an insight on Pre Wedding Rituals in details.
Mandap Mahurat – a pre wedding Ritual:
The Gujarati wedding rituals are colorful and enjoyable. The first ceremony performed is called Mandap Mahurat which is performed few days before the wedding at the house of the bride and the groom. Mandap Mahurat is the occasion where the marriage date is fixed.
Griha Shanti – a pre wedding Ritual:
The next ceremony is the Griha Shanti. The puja for Griha Shanti is performed with the family members and relatives of the bride as well as the groom. The purpose of the puja is to bring peace among the stars so that the couple can live a happy married life.
Pokavu –a pre wedding Ritual:
The actual wedding day begins with what is known as the Pokavu, the arrival of the groom. The mother-in-law at the entrance to the marriage hall greets him. A small ceremony is performed and then she tries to pinch the groom’s nose. This playfully reminds the groom that he has come to their door to ask for their daughter by rubbing his nose on the door.
Wedding Rituals in Gujarati Wedding:
On the nuptial day, the first ritual, which takes place, is the Jaimala, wherein the couple exchanges garlands twice. Next is the Madhuparka ritual in which groom’s feet are washed and he is given honey and milk to drink. During this the sisters of the bride try to steal the groom’s shoes, known as ‘JutaChurai’. One of the most important rituals on the wedding day is Kanyadaan, in which the bride’s father washes groom’s feet and gives him the hand of his daughter. This is followed by Hasta Milap, wherein the groom’s shawl is tied with bride’s saree.
The tying of the holy knot and the joined hands of the couple, signify their union. Rose petals and rice are showered upon them, during this time. After this, the couple takes rounds, around the scared fire, while the priest chants mantras. These are known as Mangal pheras. There are four pheras in Gujarati marriage. This is followed by Saptapadi, which are seven steps and vows taken by the couple together. Afterward, they are blessed by their parents and elders.
GahoiMumbai.com is thrilled to provide an insight on Wedding Rituals in details.
Jaimala –a wedding Ritual:
In a Gujarati wedding ceremony the bride and groom exchange garlands twice. The first time the groom is placed higher than the bride and the second time on equal ground.
Madhuparka –a wedding Ritual:
During the “Madhuparka”, the groom’s feet are washed and he is fed honey and milk.
Juta Churai – a wedding Ritual:
During Madhuparka, the bride’s sisters try and steal the groom’s shoes, adding naughtiness and humour to the ceremony. At the end of the day the groom retrieves his shoes by offering his sister in-laws money.
Kanya Aagaman, Kanya Daan and Hasta Milap – a wedding Rituals:
After the light hearted ritual of Madhuparka the bride is carried to the Mandap by her maternal uncle in a ceremony that is known as “Kanya Aagamana”. At this point, the “Antarpat”, or the curtain separating the bride and groom, is lowered and the couple again exchange garlands. It is now time for the bride to be given away in a ritual known as “Kanya Daan” or “Hasta Milap”.
Mangal pheras – a wedding Ritual:
Different from all the other Hindu marriages, in Gujarati Marriage Ceremony phera’s are not taken seven times but it is taken four times. This ritual is called “Mangal pheras”, when the couple circles the holy fire four times which symbolizes “Dharma”, “Artha”, “Kama” and “Moksha”.
SaptaPadi – a wedding Ritual:
The “SaptaPadi” is performed with a variation in which the groom helps the bride touch seven betel nuts with her right toe, while they recite the seven vows. Later, they are blessed by their parents and elders.
Post Wedding Rituals in Gujarati Wedding:
There are many post wedding rituals such as Reception, Vidaai ceremony, Ghar Ni Lakshmi Ceremony and Aeki Beki. GahoiMumbai.com is thrilled to provide an insight on Post Wedding Rituals in details.
Reception – a post wedding Ritual:
Reception is post wedding ritual, wherein all the near and dear ones give gifts to the couple.
Vidaai – a post wedding Ritual:
The reception is followed by the Vidaai ceremony, in which the bride is bid a tearful farewell by her family.
Ghar Ni Lakshmi – a post wedding Ritual:
On reaching the groom’s house, the bride is asked to knock down a vessel filled with rice, with her right foot, kept at the entrance. This ritual is known as Ghar Ni Lakshmi as the bride is considered form of Goddess Laxmi.
Aeki Beki – a post wedding Ritual:
Another fun filled ritual is called AekiBeki, which is a wedding game played by the couple. A vessel is filled with water and colored by putting sindoor and milk. After this, several coins and a ring are put in it. Both the bride and the groom are then asked to find it. Whoever, succeeds four out of seven times is believed to rule the household.
Special Features of Gujarati wedding:
There are several wedding celebrations included in the Gujarati weddings. These consist of the Dandiya Ras, Sangeet Sandhya, Mehandi. Other ceremonies include music and dance performances where all dress in vibrant and colourful clothing. These are some of the few things that make Gujarati wedding rituals distinct.
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