The first ceremony
that is held after the engagement is Ganpati Stapana or griha parvesh.
This ceremony is conducted to seek the blessings of God so that
everything goes on smoothly. A pyre is lit and haven is performed.
Offering of fruit and cash are offered to please the God.
After
this, another ceremony is held which is called pithi dastoor. A paste
of turmeric and sandal are applied on the body of groom. Then bride
reaches in a silk canopy which is placed on the swords at the four
corners. Four women have to hold the canopy. Paste is then applied on
the bride. Orange dress is worn by the bride.
Marriage
provides a source of entertainment for the whole community. Men and
women gather at different places and dholak is played. Folk songs and
dances are performed by the people. Women dressed in the traditional
attires perform ghoomar. The maternal uncles of both boy and girl come
amidst the celebration and give gifts and cash to the family members.
In
janav dastoor, orange clothes are worn by the groom and a haven is
performed by him. He is given two options. Either he can become a saint
or he can opt to become a householder. Once the Havan is completed, the
groom pretends to go to become ascetic. But his maternal uncle
persuades him to assume his responsibility as a householder.
On
the wedding day or a day before, palla dastoor ceremony is performed.
In this ceremony, some of relatives of the groom visit the bride?s
house and bring clothes, jewelry and presents for the bride. All these
things are worn by the bride at the time of wedding. Red color attire
is traditionally worn by the bride. But yellow, orange or pink can also be worn. Various jewels are worn by the bride during wedding.
?Rakhri? is born on the forehead while ear danglers are worn in the
ears and neck is adored by a diamond studded necklace. Gold toe ring
and stone studded nose ring are also worn.
Groom
led by the procession of relatives and friends reach the bride?s house.
He is given a very warm welcome. Seven rounds are taken by the couple
around a lit pyre.
A big
feast is held after this. Vidai ceremony takes place and bride leaves
for her new home. A coconut is placed in front of the car.
She
is given a welcome by the close relatives of the groom?s family. She is
introduced to everyone. Then she lifts her veil and some jewel is given
to her by her husband.
