Weddings are not only the union of two people who love each other. But it is also a union of two families who will support each other in good and bad times. Weddings are considered to be a big affair in our country. The celebration is jam-packed with rituals and traditions. Every community has its guidelines and traditions to follow. But if your beloved belongs to a Gujarati family we have got a perfect way to impress him/her and the family.
Before the pre-wedding rituals began two other traditions needed to be completed in a Gujarati Wedding. The Tilak Rasam or as the Gujarati people call it ‘Chandlo’ is when the union of two people is given a green signal. And the date of the marriage is also fixed on that day. The second ritual is called Gol Dhana or Sagai, where the couple exchanges the rings. And in this moment of happiness as a sweet jaggery and coriander seeds are exchanged by the families as the sign of good luck.
These two rituals are the starting of the fun-filled Gujarati wedding that awaits you. So here is an ultimate guide to pre-wedding rituals that take place in a Gujarati wedding:
Sanji
The wedding celebration at a Gujarati wedding starts with the ritual of Sanji. The ladies of the house gather around the bride or the groom and sing wedding songs. This is to announce that the wedding rituals and traditions have commenced. The wedding songs are authentic folk which has been derived from the roots of Gujarat. Some of these songs also have revisited versions. As the ladies are singing the song, the bride or the groom is honored with a gold chain by their mother. And the other ladies take turns in applying ‘Kumkum Tilak’ to protect them from the evil eye.
The Haldi rasam or as the Gujaratis call it Pitthi is the next ritual that takes place. Pithi is a paste which is a mixture of turmeric, sandalwood, rose water, and milk. This paste helps in detoxing the skin and allows it to glow naturally. The ladies of the house apply oil in the hair of the bride or the groom with a stick to make it silky and shiny. Pithi is all about prepping the bride and the groom for the wedding.
Ganesh Sthapan & Grah Shanti
This ritual is all about worshipping Lord Ganesha, who is known for solving all the problems and obstacles that come in the way of an auspicious event. It is said that before starting anything new, worshipping Lord Ganesha will ensure that the wedding is completed without any jitters. And that is why Gujaratis worship Ganeshji and ask him to bless the wedding and the family. Along with Ganesh Sthapan, Grah Shanti Poojan is also done for the peace of the family and house
Mandap Ropan
Mandap Ropan is the ritual where the bride or the groom plants a wooden stick called “Manekstambh.” Manekstambh is the stick that personifies the entire Mandap. If the bride is planting the Manekstambh then, five other girls help her. And if the groom is planting it then, five boys help him.
Mamera
This ritual is all about pampering the bride. The maternal relatives bring the bridal attire for the bride which is known as ‘Panetar’ along with all the accessories that are required for the wedding.
Dandiya Raas or Sangeet
This when all the entertainment begins. The custom is all about Garba, dance, party, and happiness. In modern times, dandiya raas has been converted into sangeet. But earlier, dandiya raas was about playing authentic Garba songs and dancing on them. Dandiya is the decorative wooden stick, with which Garba is played.