The Significance Of Indian Post-Wedding Rituals And Traditions Across Different Cultures – News18
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The post-wedding phase in India is often characterised by several rituals that may extend over days or even weeks.
The post-wedding rituals help in getting both sides of the family get comfortable with each other. (Image: Shutterstock)
After the wedding, the bride and the groom engage in several post-marriage traditions that are vibrant, enjoyable and often carry some deep meaning. These customs are deeply rooted in local culture and vary among regions and communities.
They not only mark the transition of the bride and groom into married life but are also believed to strengthen family bonds, celebrate new beginnings and ensure the couple’s prosperity and happiness.
These rituals can extend over days or even weeks. Some common post-marriage customs include welcoming ceremonies, sermons, and rites of passage that denote the bride’s new responsibilities.
Let us explore the key post-wedding traditions that take place in India based on region:
Northern Indian Post-Wedding Traditions
- Vidaai: The bride bids an emotional farewell to her parental home. In Hindu weddings, she throws some rice on her way which signifies leaving behind richness and prosperity for her family. The tradition also takes place in Muslim weddings. Here, the bride is handed over the Holy Quran as a blessing as she leaves for the groom’s house.
- Griha Pravesh: When the bride enters her new home, traditional ceremonies are organised to welcome her into the family. In Hindu traditions, the bride tips over an urn or pitcher pot with her foot as she enters the house.
- Mooh Dikhai: It is a common tradition where the bride meets the groom’s family, and is showered with gifts and blessings by the elderly members.
Eastern Indian Post-Wedding Traditions
- Bashor Ghar (West Bengal): After marriage, the bride and the groom’s sister demand money to allow him to enter the bride’s chambers. This informal session helps both sides of the family get comfortable with each other.
- Bidaai (Odisha): Similar to Vidaai, as the name suggests, this is the farewell of the bride and is marked by elders of the family giving her blessings for the journey ahead.
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Southern Indian Post-Wedding Traditions
- Kashi Yatra (Tamil Nadu): This is a wedding custom common in Brahmin ceremonies, where the groom pretends to go to Kashi and become a monk. This is stalled as the bride’s family persuades him to marry the girl.
- Sankalpam (Andhra Pradesh): It includes offering prayers and seeking God’s blessings for a healthy marriage. It is also combined with charity and sermons.Northeastern India
- Bor Jatri (Assam): It includes the reception of the bride by the groom’s family which includes a feast comprising traditional cuisine, celebrating the holy matrimony.
