Rajasthani nuptial ceremonies are mesmerizing and their wedding attire, food and jewellery imitates an elite charm.
Pre Wedding Rituals
Engagement Ceremony: Engagement ceremony is the first and foremost ceremony which is also known as Tilak ceremony. This ceremony usually took place at groom’s house and male members of bride’s family visits groom’s places. It is a religious custom in which brother of bride applies Tilak on groom’s forehead.
Ganesh Sthapana: Ganesh Puja is the indicator of the beginning of wedding fun. It is a holy belief in Hindu mythology to seek blessing from God Ganesh before starting anything new and Ganesh idol is installed and worshipped at bride and groom’s homes as he is known as Vighanharta (Removal of Evil)
Sangeet Ceremony : This Marwari wedding custom usually takes place 2-3 days before the day of wedding in which both the family meets . Traditional and folk dance are part of this Custom and event is followed by a lavish dinner. Ghoomar, Teratali, Kalbelia are the various forms of traditional dance that are performed.
Mahira: There is the involvement of maternal family of bride and groom for performing this wedding Ritual. The respective maternal family (‘’Mama’’ and their family) are invited to groom’s and bride’s house for a traditional meal. The Uncle (“Mama”) in turn offers gifts and money to his nephew and niece. It is responsibility of every brother to offer sister with help at her child’s marriage.
Pithi Dastoor: In this ceremony family members of both bride and groom are supposed to apply turmeric and sandalwood paste on face and body of bride and groom. This wedding ritual is executed at their respective homes and bride and groom can’t go out till wedding day.
Janev Ritual and PallaDastoor: Janev is a religious ritual in which groom is required to wear a white thread and bride worship Goddess Gauri in Palla dastoor for her successful marriage life.
Nikasi: When Baraat starts to moves towards the bride’s place it is known as Nikasi.
Baraat: Groom leaves for the wedding venue. This is a very grand procession and usually the groom is dressed in sherwani and churidars. The young members and friends are allowed to dance at the entry of bride’s place.
Wedding Rituals
Toran: This is usually the welcoming of groom at the entrance of the wedding venue. Toran is placed at the entrance and groom is asked to hit the Toran with the sword or neemstick.
Jaimala: Exchange of Garlands By bride and groom is known as Vermala or Jaimala.
Paanigrahan: Paanigrahan is a custom in which groom promises her bride to stand her during all situations whether sad or happy.
Pheras: This is the most sacred wedding ritual in which bride and groom revolves around the fire and takes their nuptial oaths. There is a promise in every round which both are required to retain for their entire life.
Bidai: This is when bride and groom depart to their new homes together. This is one of the most emotional moments for bride and bride’s family as well. Under the car’s wheel, a coconut is kept and bride’s brothers are supposed to push the car.
Post Wedding Rituals
Grihapravesh: Puja is carried out at the groom’s place when bride firstly enters into the husband house.
Pagelagni: after the wedding, this is the ceremony that takes is carried out. In this formal introduction is carried out between family member and bride. The bride touches the feet of everyone in turns of which she receives the blessings and gifts.
