Maharashtrian
weddings are a simple affair. Of course there are lighter moments too, like the
bride's brother twisting the groom's ear; the couple feeding each other sweets;
and taking each other's names in verses etc. With changing times, an element of contemporary style has been
infused into the traditional attire, jewellery, food preparations etc. And some
rituals are given a go-by mainly due to lack of time and space.
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| Maharahstrian Bride |
Like most Hindu wedding ceremonies, the Maharashtrian themed
wedding begins with an engagement ceremony that is known as the SakharPuda
meaning “packet of sugar”. It could be a simple affair wherein the bridegroom and his close relatives come to the
bride's home. But it could also be organised by bride's side on a larger scale
inviting more guests. The
bridegroom's mother applies haldi-kunku and gives a sari to the bride into
which bride is supposed to change. This means first, groom's side has to
give their word to bride's side that they have fixed the alliance. Similarly,
to give their consent in return, the bride's mother invites the bridegroom, his
parents. She applies kumkum tilak to the groom and his father and
haldi-kunku to groom's mother and gives a pant and shirt piece or any clothing
item as also Sakharpuda to the groom. After this ceremony, the
bridegroom puts a ring on the bride's ring-finger of the left hand, similar
process for bride. The Sakhar Puda may be an intimate or an elaborate affair
depending upon the parties involved. The wedding may be held immediately after,
or there may be a gap of few months in between the two. In arranged marriages,
this waiting period helps the bride and groom to get to know each other better.
The
actual wedding ceremony may be held over a period of two to three days. There
is no separate Mehendi or sangeet ceremony like in North Indian weddings; but
the bride does get henna patterns drawn on her hands and feet prior to the main
event. A major event in the Maharashtrian wedding ceremony is the
Seema-Anta Poojan. Seema means “City Limits” Anta means end and ‘poojan’ stands
for prayers. In olden days, the groom usually lived in a different city from
that of the bride’s. He and his family travelled to the bride’s city for the
occasion. The bride’s family went to the city limits to welcome this
procession. During this occasion, prayers were offered to the Gods for the safe
arrival of the marriage party. A coconut was broken and sweets were distributed
among the wedding guests. This tradition is still carried out today, though one
does not go as far as hosting it at the city limits, but in regular
banquet/marriage halls instead. The main Lagna ceremony is held in front
of the holy wedding fire. A priest chants hymns and explains their meaning to
the bride and groom. The couple also takes the seven (vows) or rounds around
the holy fire and the groom ties the Mangalsutra around the bride’s neck promising
to take care of her throughout their married life. The bride and groom exchange
garlands and traditional songs called Mangalashtakas are sung by the priests to
bless the newlyweds. The guests too shower rice and flowers on the couple.
The bridal attire is usually consists a traditional silk sari called Paithani
which has beautiful embellishments. It is named after Paithan, the region where
it is developed. Alternatively one can opt for draping a longer sari in the
traditional fashion called the Nauvaari (or 9 yard sari. 9 yards is the length
of the material-where regular saris are 5 yards). The groom usually wears
Kurta, Sherwani paired with the traditional Dhoti.
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| Bride's brother, twisting groom's ear |
All through the ceremony, there are various symbolic and meaningful
events held. For example, there is one ‘fun event’ where the bride’s brother
playfully twists the groom’s ear, saying he will repent if he does not take
care of his sister. The groom has to then promise to do so and only then is he
relieved of the pain!
The main event may be followed by a reception which
is usually hosted by and held in the groom’s city. This is an informal
affair usually hosted for attendees who could not make it to the wedding.
Thus, Maharashtrian wedding ceremonies is a deeply
meaningful, and at the same time a lively, joyous and fun event.
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