The mention of the word Rajasthan conjures up the picture of a vast desert with strains of the song “Kesariya Balma, padharo maare desh.” Not only that the majestic castles, and the images of regal kings and queens, fill us with intrigue about its rich cultural and traditional vibrancy. Rajasthani wedding rituals like the distinctive practices of the weddings are a rich amalgamation of Marwari traditions and Rajasthani rich cultural customs, making it one of a kind.
The vibrant colors, the rich razzmatazz, the ornate Rajasthani lehenga choli, and the authentic Marwari cuisine are just a few of the things that set this wedding apart from the rest. Take a look at the unique rituals that add color, and exuberance to the destination wedding in Rajasthan.
Top Rich Traditions of Rajasthan Wedding Rituals
Tilak or Engagement Ceremony
The Tilak ceremony paves the way for the Rajasthani wedding ceremony. This is the day when the two families come together and exchange gifts. In Marwari wedding ceremonies, a male representative of the bride’s family brings gifts (such as sweets, clothes, and a sword) for the groom’s family. It’s the male member who smears a Tilak on the groom’s forehead.
Pithi Dastoor
Apart from Ganpati Sthapana, Mehndi, and Sangeet, the Pithi ceremony is one of the most important Rajasthani Rajput wedding rituals. It is similar to the haldi ceremony where family members indulge in smearing freshly ground haldi and sandalwood paste on the would-be bride and groom.
Toran and Aarti
Toran and aarti is the welcoming ceremony of the groom to the wedding venue. Then the bride’s mother in a rajasthani dress lehenga choli welcomes the groom with an aarti thali with a lamp and a Toran. It is the beginning of a lifelong relationship between the groom and the bride’s family.
Jaimala or the Garland Ceremony
The Jaimala ceremony or the garland exchange ceremony is a ritual between the bride and groom. The bride in her gorgeous Rajasthani bridal lehenga choli steps into the wedding mandap for Jaimala. The bride and groom in their impeccable wedding ensembles vow to be with each other for saath Janam.
Pheras
The grand and lavish Rajasthani Rajput wedding rituals kick off with the Saptapadi, where the couple twirls around the pious fire, representing seven vows to each other. The couple moves around the holy fire to the chants of the priest.
Bidaai
The Bidaai ceremony evokes myriad emotions among brides. Songs like “babul ki duwayein leti ja” seem to play in the minds of the onlookers as the bride walks away from her “maika” towards her “sasural. It is a bittersweet feeling to leave a life behind and begin a new life with the man in her life. The bride’s family offers their heartfelt blessings to the couple with a strange mix of sadness and happiness.
The Culmination of Age-old Wedding Rituals
When it comes to wedding traditions, Marwari weddings are big on ornate visuals, delicious foods, eye-catching outfits like the Rajasthani traditional lehenga, or marwadi lehenga and unique grandeur. Their wedding rituals are a perfect blend of interesting activities and time-tested custom beliefs. The coming together of two people and their families is enjoyed with great joy.
Also Read: Love And Dance: Bride Adya’s Unforgettable Sangeet Ceremony
