East indian wedding traditions

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"'It was two days before the wedding and I finally sat down to write my toast. Low and ... Everyone at the wedding said it was the best toast they had ever heard.' ..."

East Indian wedding traditions mainly include the marriage customs of West Bengal, Assam, Orissa and other Northeastern states of India. Hindus believe there are four stages in life, of which married life or "Grahastha Ashram" is the second. It is considered a very important institution---the stage wherein the actual values of life are taught. Hindu weddings are rich in symbolic rituals and, despite India's diversities in culture, language and lifestyle, Hindu weddings across the nation share some common threads.

1. Borjatri: Groom's Procession

   • The wedding ceremony starts with the groom's procession to the entrance of the bride's house, where the bride's elderly female relative blesses him by touching the "Baran Dala" to his forehead and then to the ground. Then, he is served sweets and sherbet, as rose water is sprinkled on him while he enters the house.

   Shubho Drishti: Marriage Ritual

   • The actual ceremony starts during the "Shubho Drishti" ritual, when the bride and groom first look at each other and exchange garlands called the "Mala Badal," amid chants and mantras. It is followed by the "Saat Paak" ritual, where the bride sits on a low wooden stool, which is lifted on her brothers' shoulders and carried seven times around the groom, signifying their eternal union.

   Sampradan: Transfer of Responsibility

   • During "Sampradan," the bride's father or elderly uncle transfers his daughter's or niece's responsibility to the groom. Then, they move around a fire, exchanging marital vows in the "Saptapadi" ritual.

   Basar Ghar: Bride's Family Welcome

   • The bride's family then welcomes the newlyweds with a sumptuous dinner called the "Basar Ghar" ceremony. The following morning, the groom applies vermilion on his wife's forehead in what is called the "Bashi Biye" ritual and they then visit the "Mandap" to worship the Sun God. Then follows the "Bidaai," where the bride's family finally bids her farewell.

   Bou Baran: Groom's Family Welcome

   • The groom's family performs the "Bou Baran" ritual to welcome to the newlyweds into their home. The bride soaks her feet in Alta and milk and leaves her imprints on the floor as she enters the house. All the members of the family give her their blessings. Then, it's her turn to serve them in the "Bou Bhat" ceremony, where she also eats her first meal in her husband's house. In the evening, the groom's family hosts a reception party.

Source: www.ehow.com

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