Weddings
The other day I was in a retirement home with some of the residents. We were talking about India, its culture and such things. One lady said to me, “I just want to see an Indian wedding before I die”!! Wow! That got me thinking… what is so special about Indian weddings? Apart from the fact that they are very elaborate? You know how you are unable to see how special something is when you see it every day? I think this is similar. I had to take a step back to fully appreciate the intricacy, the significance, the colors and the joys of an Indian wedding. Here, I’ve summarized it in a nutshell.
Indian weddings are a beautiful tapestry woven from rich cultural traditions, but with a surprising amount of variation depending on religion, region, community and even family traditions.
India boasts a diverse religious landscape, and weddings reflect this. Hindu weddings involve elaborate fire rituals and chanting mantras, while Muslim ceremonies focus on Nikah, a legal contract between the couple and their families. Christian weddings in India follow similar traditions to Christian weddings elsewhere, with some local adaptations.
All marriages, regardless of cultural background, carry symbolic ornaments that hold significant meaning in the context of marriage. These ornaments serve as tangible representations of the union between two individuals and are often cherished for their sentimental value. In various parts of the world, these symbolic adornments take different forms, such as wedding rings, chains, nose pieces, bangles, or even toe rings.
One such symbolic ornament deeply rooted in Indian culture is the Mangalsutra, a sacred wedding chain primarily worn by Hindu brides. The Mangalsutra holds immense cultural and religious significance, signifying the marital bond between a husband and wife. It is not merely a piece of jewelry but a symbol of commitment, love, and respect within the institution of marriage.
Traditionally, the Mangalsutra is a black and gold necklace with intricate designs, often adorned with black beads that symbolize protection and prosperity. The groom ties this auspicious necklace around the bride's neck during the wedding ceremony, marking the beginning of their journey together as husband and wife.
Throughout the marriage, the Mangalsutra serves as a constant reminder of the vows exchanged during the wedding rituals. It is believed to bring good fortune, happiness, and longevity to the marital relationship. The significance of the Mangalsutra extends beyond its aesthetic value, encompassing cultural traditions, beliefs, and customs that have been passed down through generations.
Moving on… “Kanyadaan”, which literally translates into ‘giving away of the daughter’ is a big deal in north Indian weddings. Even within the same religion, sub-communities may have their own unique customs. For instance, a Punjabi wedding might involve a playful shoe-stealing ceremony by the bride's side, while a Bengali wedding might showcase a vibrant procession called the Alpona.
Families often personalize ceremonies to incorporate their own traditions passed down through generations. This could involve specific prayers, blessings, or even the kind of clothing worn during the celebrations.
When my (now) husband, Melvin first came to India as the President of the Indian branch of his company in the US, he couldn’t for the life of him understand why people wanted so many days off for a wedding. And it wasn’t even their own wedding, but the groom was a close friend of their neighbor’s aunts friend!!!! Go figure!!! Unlike Western weddings, Indian weddings are typically multi-day affairs with pre-wedding festivities like Mehndi (all the women get elaborate henna designs applied on their hands) and Sangeet (a night of music and dance).
Weddings are a celebration for not just the couple but also their extended families and communities. Guests play a significant role in the festivities. Indian weddings are a riot of colors, with vibrant clothing, elaborate mandaps (wedding altars), and beautiful floral arrangements. Many elaborate, expensive sets of clothes are stitched for different days and different ceremonies, and there is an air of festivity and joie de vivre in the air for many days!
A Punjabi wedding might be quite different from a Malayali wedding, a Sikh wedding will be different from a Muslim wedding, but all of them showcase the underlying beauty and cultural richness that define Indian weddings as a whole.
If you want to have the time of your life and be a part of an Indian wedding, ditch the guidebooks, join JWN and experience India. Build memories and discover yourself!
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