The Rituals
A short guide to every rite of the week, in the order they happen, so you know what is going on and why it matters.
- Ganesh Pujanगणेश पूजन
- Prayers to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, with which every auspicious beginning is made.
- Matru Pujanमातृ पूजन
- Worship of the divine mothers and our ancestors, asking for their blessings.
- Dhaan Dharetiधान धरेती
- Paddy kept in the home as a prayer for plenty.
- Telतेल
- The first touch of oil and turmeric, by the married women of the family.
- Mandapमंडप
- The sacred canopy on bamboo posts, under which the rites take place.
- Barichhaबरिच्छा
- The bride’s family formally accepts the groom, with shagun and blessings.
- Godh Bharaiगोद भराई
- Filling the bride’s lap with fruit, sweets and gifts, to welcome her into the family.
- Sagaiसगाई
- The exchange of rings: the engagement.
- Pahnawanपहनावन
- An early morning rite of dressing and adorning the groom.
- Maay Madhraमाय मधरा
- Honouring the mother’s side of the family, who arrive with gifts.
- Haldiहल्दी
- Turmeric paste on the bride and groom, for a glow, protection and good luck.
- Mehndiमेहंदी
- Henna on the bride’s hands and feet, and on the hands of her guests.
- Sangeetसंगीत
- An evening of music and dance, with the two families performing for each other.
- Tilakतिलक
- A mark of kumkum on the groom’s forehead by the bride’s family, as a sign of acceptance and honour.
- Sehraसेहरा
- The veil of flowers or pearls tied over the groom’s face before the baraat.
- Baraatबारात
- The groom’s wedding procession, on a decorated mare, with music and dancing.
- Dwar Pujaद्वार पूजा
- The bride’s family welcomes the groom at the gate with aarti and garlands.
- Jaimalaजयमाला
- The bride and groom exchange garlands; the first rite of the wedding itself.
- Kanyadaanकन्यादान
- The bride’s parents give her hand in marriage; the most solemn moment under the mandap.
- Pherasफेरे
- Seven rounds of the sacred fire, each with a promise.
- Sindoor Daanसिंदूर दान
- Sindoor in the parting of the bride’s hair, the sign of a married woman.
- Vidaiविदाई
- The bride’s farewell to her family, throwing rice over her shoulder as a thank you.