Gujarati Wedding Rituals and Customs

Gujarati weddings are vibrant and culturally rich, encompassing a blend of traditional customs and rituals that reflect the heritage of Gujarat and its people. Here’s an overview of the customary practices observed in Gujarati marriages:

Gujarati marriage customs


In the colorful and culturally diverse state of Gujarat, weddings are a celebration of love and unity, adorned with centuries-old customs that bind families together. Let's explore the vibrant customs that grace Gujarati matrimonial celebrations.

Sagai:

The engagement ceremony, "Sagai" or "Sakhar Puda," is a formal agreement between the families, where rings and sweets are exchanged as a token of acceptance and goodwill.

Ganesh Sthapana and Mandap Mahurat:

Before the wedding, the families perform "Ganesh Sthapana" to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesh. The auspicious "Mandap Mahurat" marks the beginning of wedding preparations.

Chandlo Maatli:

The groom’s family visits the bride’s house, applying a red mark ("Chandlo") on the foreheads of the bride and groom, symbolizing their engagement and goodwill.

Griha Shanti and Mehendi:

Before the wedding day, the families conduct "Griha Shanti," a ritual to purify the households. The bride and women from both families also adorn their hands with intricate henna patterns in the "Mehendi" ceremony.

Garba and Sangeet:

The night before the wedding, families come together for lively dances and music in the "Garba" and "Sangeet" ceremonies, celebrating joyously.

Ganesh Puja:

On the wedding day, the ceremony begins with "Ganesh Puja," seeking blessings for a harmonious and obstacle-free wedding.

Ponkvu:

The groom arrives at the wedding venue with a grand procession ("Baraat") and is ceremonially welcomed by the bride’s family in the "Ponkvu" ritual.

Jaimala:

The bride and groom exchange floral garlands, known as "Jaimala," symbolizing their acceptance and commitment to each other.

Kanya Daan and Hasta Milap:

During the wedding ceremony, the bride's parents perform "Kanya Daan," giving away their daughter to the groom. The "Hasta Milap" ritual follows, symbolizing the joining of the couple's hands.

Saat Pheras:

The couple takes seven steps together around the sacred fire, known as "Saat Pheras," making promises to each other and their families for a happy and prosperous life.

Saptapadi and Lajahoma:

The couple offers grains to the sacred fire in "Lajahoma," seeking blessings for their marital life. This is followed by the "Saptapadi," where they take seven steps together, each step representing a vow for their future together.

Mangal Pheras and Vidaai:

The couple circles the sacred fire four times ("Mangal Pheras"), seeking blessings. The ceremony concludes with the emotional departure of the bride ("Vidaai") from her parental home to start her new life.

Blessings and Celebrations:

Gujarati weddings are a beautiful amalgamation of culture, tradition, and family bonds. The customs and rituals celebrate not just the union of two individuals but also the coming together of families in joyous celebrations.

In these cherished traditions lies the beauty and sanctity of Gujarati weddings, weaving tales of everlasting love and cultural richness passed down through generations.

Let’s celebrate the vibrancy of tradition and honor the enduring bonds of love in the grandeur of Gujarati weddings!

 

 

 

 

 

 



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