We all know that Hinduism has, at its core, the Vedas, the spiritual scriptures that are the heart of India’s culture. The Hindu wedding ceremony centres not just on the bride, but celebrates the coming together of two families. To illustrate this theme, many customs involve both families. Similarly, we the people of pahad know that the Weddings in Uttarakhand are a grand event where you get to meet your loved ones from the far-off villages and towns, and you meet with them after long time. If you are a Pahadi, then you know the madness and fun that happens in our weddings.

There are so many rituals which starts few days before the actual wedding. So, let’s get into the highlights of pahadi wedding.

MAHILA SANGEET

The wedding start with mahila sangeet. The word Sangeet translates to ‘sung together’ from Sanskrit. The event is formally known to comprise only female attendees from both sides of the family, however modern times allow for men to join in on the fun too. Unlike religious ceremonies such as the Haldi or portions of the wedding ceremony, the Sangeet is solely conducted to relish in the happiness and joy surrounding the groom and bride.

MEHNDI CEREMONY

In the Hindu tradition, mehndi is part of the Solah Shringar, or sixteen bridal adornments, which is a ritual for the beautification of the bride from head to toe at the time of her wedding. The family members enjoy this function with lot of fun and joy.Mehendi ceremony has become such an integral part of the pahadi wedding ceremony that it cannot be imagined without it.

HALDI HAATH AND MANGAL SNAN

Haldihaath or Haldi ceremony is one of the most important rituals among Indian weddings. Almost in every region of India.

The females of respective families applied a paste of Haldi, Sandalwood, and yogurt on the body of the bride and groom and sings the Mangal Geet.

The ceremony is also accompanied by the traditional dance in dhol and Damau. In Kumaoni wedding during this ceremony, it is necessary for the bride to wear “Rangwali Pichodda” called as odhani or Dupatta which is orange and yellow and embarked with golden and red dots on it.

DHULIARGH

Duliargh or also known as the reception of Baraat. In this ceremony, the Baraat is welcomed by bride’s parent with garlands and the groom approached along with family members, relatives, and friends at the wedding venue.

A ritual is being performed in the Duliargh ceremony where the groom and the priest are worshipped by Bride’s father because it is to be believed that the groom is positioned as Lord Vishnu. After that Tilak is applied on groom’s forehead by bride’s mother followed by Aarti.

JAIMALA OR VARMALA

The varmala or the jaimala (wedding garland made of fresh flowers) is indispensable to a Hindu wedding ceremony. It is one of the first rituals during the marriage. Interestingly, jaimala is the first ritual that the bride and the groom perform during their wedding ceremony together.

The jaimala is a token of acceptance. When the bride and the groom exchange the garland, it symbolises the acceptance of would-be man by the would-be wife as her partner for life. This tradition has been in practice since the Ramayana and the Mahabharata days.

KANYA DAAN

The ‘Kanya Daan’,as the name suggests the birde’s perents gives their daughter in groom’s hand.This is very emotional and most important.

Ritual conducted by the bride’s father and mother. The parents of the bride observe a fast on this day. Kanya Daan is considered as the biggest donation that anybody can ever make. After performing the ceremony, the bride becomes a part of the groom’s family and his better half for life.

SAAT PHERE

In this ritual, the bride and groom take seven circles around the holy fire as their commitment to each other. Firstly, the groom leads the bride and takes four circles around the sacred fire, then the bride takes over him and takes three circles to show their union. On the completion of this ritual, the bride and groom are pronounced as husband and wife.

VIDAI

At last, the Vidai ceremony takes place, in which the family of the bride gives an eye-numbing farewell to their lovely daughter. This is an emotional moment for the bride as well as her family and friends as she has to move to her husband’s home and leave her parents behind.

3 Comments

  1. As marriage is a merging ceremony of two soul. pictures above proves it very well … uh both are looking cute and stunning … may god bless uh both and live a happy and cheerful life ahead.

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