Bengali wedding in India

Weddings in Bengal are an elaborate affair. Bengali Hindu weddings can be divided into two different segments of rituals - Ghoti and Bangal. The wedding comprises of both pre-wedding and post-wedding rituals. Each ritual has its own significance and meaning.

The wedding starts with the ritual of ‘Ashirbad’ or the ceremony of blessings. The bride’s family visits the groom’s home and vice versa with gifts like clothes, cosmetics and special food items like sweets, fruits and the ever-present fish - which has a special place of its own in traditional Bengali cuisine. Parents and relatives of the bride and the groom wish them a happy married life. Both the families exchange gifts, which are called “totto” in Bengali. Family members and friends celebrate this occasion by dancing and dining with each other.

The next ritual is the Narayan puja. This ceremonial worship of lord Narayana or Vishnu is held the day before the wedding. The bride and groom seek the blessings of lord Vishnu before proceeding towards their marital life.

The night before the wedding, the ritual of “Gaye holud” or the ceremony of turmeric application is carried out. Married women from both, the groom and bride’s family go to the closest water body to collect water for this ritual. The women carry water in a traditional vessel known as “Kolshi” to a nearby temple where the priest blesses the water. Turmeric is considered holy by Hindus and it is also extremely good for the skin. Hence, a paste of ‘Holud’ or turmeric mixed with sandalwood paste is applied on the bride’s and the groom’s face and body on this day. After the paste has been applied, the bride and groom are bathed with the water, which has been fetched and blessed earlier.

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