Bengali Weddings

Marriage the traditional Bengali way entails a wide array of colorful and elaborate rituals. These are not only fun filled and enjoyable but also have a deep significance in the married life of the couple. The marriage rituals are spread over three days. There are also many pre wedding and post wedding rituals. These customs not only involve the couple but also the family and friends of both the sides. Every custom is observed with much dedication and faith. Bengalis are known for their love of all things cultural and their marriage events are ample proof of that.

The wedding is finalized with the Ashirwaad ceremony wherein the family of the groom goes to the house of the bride and blesses her with gifts. The family of the bride too goes to the house of the groom and gives him gifts. On the marriage day there is the occasion of Gaye Halud wherein turmeric paste is applied on the hands, feet and face of the bride. This paste comes from the house of the groom and has been applied on his face and hands as well. What characterizes a Bengali marriage is the blowing of the constant blowing of the conch shells and the ululation of the ladies of the house. These are the hallmark of every Bengali festivity and symbolize rejoicing.

Among the Bengalis, as in every other Indian marriage the groom comes to the house of the bride to marry her. They are referred to as borjatris. They arrive amidst much singing and dancing and are welcomed warmly by the bride's family. The bride is next brought out on a pier with her face covered with betel leaves. This is the most fun part of the wedding day celebrations. She has to take seven rounds around the groom seated on the pier and only then the couple can finally get to see each other. The blushing couple then exchange garlands amidst cheering of friends and the blowing of the conch shells.

The wedding is solemnized in front of the sacred fire. The priest chants hymns and the boy and the girl take the marriage vows. They take the customary rounds of the fire and the marriage comes to an end with the blessings of the priest and the elders. The wedding night is spent amidst fun and laughter by playing games involving the bride, groom, and their friends and family members.

The next day is the occasion of the bashi biye wherein some more marriage rituals are observed. After the ceremonies are over the bride takes leave of her parents. She then proceeds towards her new home with her husband. She is welcomed lovingly into her husband's family where there are again certain customs to be followed. A reception party is held at the house of the groom in honor of the bride. These conclude the wedding festivities in a typical marriage wedding. The couple, with the best wishes and blessings of the family and friends looks forward to a blissful married life.

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