A wedding is not just a celebration but an event that marks the union of two families.
Uttarakhand is known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional values, and weddings are a perfect example of that. In Uttarakhand, weddings are a grand affair that involves a lot of customs and rituals.
Kumaon, a region located in the northern part of India, is known for its rich culture and traditions, including its wedding rituals. Three unique forms of marriage are practiced in Kumaon, namely Aanchal Vivah, Sarol Vivah, and Mandir Vivah. Let's dive into these forms of marriage and explore their unique characteristics.
Aanchal Vivah In Uttarakhand Wedding
The Most Common Form of Marriage in Kumaon Aanchal Vivah is the most commonly practiced form of marriage in Kumaon. In this type of marriage, a procession is led by people from the groom's side to the bride's house, where the groom's and bride's 'aanchal' (a long, yellow, and thin cloth) are interlocked. The bride's father gives away the bride, known as kanyadan, to the groom. The rituals of Aanchal Vivah are in accordance with the Vaidic rituals and local customs.
Sarol Vivah In Uttarakhand wedding
A Ritualistic Marriage Ceremony without Crowns Sarol Vivah, also known as bada or dola, is a form of marriage where the bride is brought to the groom's house without any rituals. This is accompanied by the playing of drums. The marriage is then performed in a ritualistic manner at the groom's house, and the bride and groom do not wear the customary crowns on their heads. Sarol Vivah is not commonly seen in Kumaon these days.
Mandir Vivah In Uttarakhand
A Spiritual Wedding in Kumaon's Temples Mandir Vivah is a form of marriage that takes place in a temple. Kumaon has several such temples, including the temples of Golu Devta in Chitai near Almora and Ghorakhal in Nainital, where marriages are usually conducted. The rituals of Mandir Vivah are completed in a day's time, in the presence of the family members of the bride and groom.
Aanchal or Vaidic marriage is a traditional wedding ceremony that takes place in many parts of India, including the Kumaon region. In this type of wedding, the focus is on performing various rituals and sanskaars. The ceremony is conducted amidst the chanting of Vaidic mantras, making it a unique and special experience.
In this blog, we will discuss the sequence of the Aanchal or Vaidic marriage in the Kumaon region, including the various rituals, customs, and rites performed before and after the wedding ceremony.
Marriage Decision
The marriage decision in the Kumaon region is made based on the matching of the birth chart or horoscope, which is called the kundli saamya haige. The kul purohit decides an auspicious time for the wedding, which is called lagna sujhi go. Brides and grooms are sought among homogeneous families of equivalent stature.
Invitation
Once the wedding date is fixed, invitations are extended to friends, relatives, and others. Villagers are also invited orally, and the tradition of giving invitations through parrots is still prevalent in the region.
Tilak
The tilak ceremony, also known as Pithiya Laguna, is a small ritual performed before the wedding. Five or seven people from the groom’s side visit the bride’s house and apply tilak and give gifts to the bride and her family, including fruits, sweets, clothes, money, etc. Gifts are also exchanged between the two families. The presence of the groom is not necessary for this ritual, which is considered like an engagement ceremony.
Suwal Patai
The suwal patai ceremony takes place either one day or three to five days before the main wedding ceremony. Both families prepare papad made of rice flour and laddoo made from black sesame. Ancestors or pitra/purvaj are invited by singing songs, and the bee or 'bhaura' is requested to go to heaven and invite the ancestors. The singers then describe where the golden gates or doors leading to the ancestors would be.
Ganesha Pooja
The families of the bride and groom perform the Ganesh Pooja, where they worship Lord Ganesha and pray for the wedding ceremony to be completed without any obstacles. After this, the bride and groom are anointed with turmeric or haldi by their close relatives, and they take a ceremonial bath.
Haldi Ceremony
A bracelet is tied around the hands of the bride and groom in the form of a small bale, in which betel nut and coins are placed in a yellow-coloured piece of cloth. After the Ganesh pooja, the bride's parents keep a fast until the time she leaves for the groom's house, i.e., her vidaaee.
Mehandi Ceremony
In Uttarakhand, the Mehandi Ceremony is usually held a day or two before the wedding day. The ceremony is usually held at the bride's home, and it is a joyful and colorful event. The bride's friends and family members gather to apply intricate mehandi designs on their hands and feet.
Dhuliarghay
In the twilight, the procession reaches the bride's door, and the groom's party is welcomed by unmarried girls, who carry urns filled with water or kalash on their heads. The groom is carried and brought to the Dhuliarghay chauki in the courtyard, which is made of red clay and rice-flour known as biswar. This geometrical design includes different symbols such as kamal, kalash, and more.
Chholi or Gifts
One of the most beautiful customs of Indian weddings is the exchange of gifts or chholi between the bride and groom's families. This exchange includes fruits, sweets, nuts, clothes, money, and ornaments. The bride is adorned with clothes and ornaments brought from the groom's side. This exchange is a symbol of the union of two families.
Gaduve ki Dhaar Denaa
The ritual of Kanyadaan is a significant moment in the wedding ceremony where the father of the bride places his daughter's palm on his own and the bride's mother pours water from a small pot or gaduwa, onto the palms of the father on which the bride's and groom's palms are also placed. This moment is known as gaduve ki dhaar denaa and is very emotional for the parents.
Sindhur
After the gaduve ki dhaar denaa, the groom applies sindhur or vermilion on the bride's forehead and places a crown on the heads of the bride and groom. Aanchal Bandhan is then performed, which is a tradition of interlocking the aanchal (a long yellow color cloth) between the bride and groom. The girl becomes a member of the groom’s family now, and aarti is done for the bride and the groom, who are considered as Lakshmi-Narayana.
Saptapadhi
The next ritual is Saptapadhi or taking seven rounds around the fire. In this ritual, the bride and groom take seven rounds around the fire. After the seven rounds, seven lamps or diye are lit, and vermilion is applied to the bride's forehead, followed by feeding of curds & sweet or dahi-bataasha to the bride and groom.
The Vidai ceremony
The Vidai ceremony is usually accompanied by tears and emotions as the bride says goodbye to her family and begins a new chapter in her life. The bride is usually escorted by her close family members and friends to the groom's home.
Heritage Shines: A Look at Traditional Jewellery from Uttarakhand
Bulaq
Bulaq is a gold ornament that is worn by piercing the septum of the nose. It is known for its intricate hand-crafted motifs and is a popular piece of jewellery among brides in Uttarakhand.
Kundal and Bali
Kundal and Bali are traditional earrings that are commonly worn by brides in Uttarakhand. Kundal is a large earring that is usually worn on one ear, while Bali is a smaller earring that is worn on the other ear.
Tehri Nath
Tehri Nath is a traditional nose ring that is worn by brides in Uttarakhand. It is usually made of gold and is known for its intricate designs.
Pahunchi
Pahunchi is a traditional necklace that is worn by brides in Uttarakhand. It is usually made of gold and is known for its intricate designs and intricate workmanship
Hansuli
Hansuli is a traditional neckpiece that is worn by brides in Uttarakhand. It is usually made of gold and is adorned with precious stones and intricate designs.
Uttarakhand Traditional Mangal Sutra
Weddings are special events that mark the beginning of a new chapter in one's life.
Different communities have unique customs and traditions that are practised during weddings. In this article, we will explore the beautiful wedding customs of the Rajput and Kumaoni communities.
Wedding customs of the Rajput community
The Rajput community has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in their weddings. One such tradition is the inclusion of chholia, a group of dancers who perform during the marriage procession. The chholia dance while wielding shields and swords, adding to the grandeur of the procession. The ceremonial flags or nishaans in red and white colors are carried ahead and at the rear of the procession. Traditional instruments like the dhol, damaau, ransingh, and maskakbeen are played during the wedding ceremonies, adding a touch of tradition to the festivities.
When the procession reaches the bride's house, the bride’s sister cleverly tries to hide the groom's shoes and demands money before returning them to him. Mangal geet are also sung by Gidari, a group of female singers, during the rituals, creating a joyous and celebratory atmosphere.
Conclusion
Traditional Indian weddings are a beautiful and significant affair, filled with rituals and customs that hold great importance. From chholi to saptapadhi, each ceremony symbolizes the union of two families and the beginning of a new journey for the bride and groom.