Wedding Events
Monday, May 19, 2008 | 1:00 pm
Eai Buro Bhath
Pune
Eai Buro Bhath means bachelor lunch. This ceremony can be viewed as a bachelorette party for the bride and the groom before the D-day. A feast of Bengali delicacies is prepared by respective mother's of the bride and the groom, which is shared by the extended family.
This marks the last day of bachelorhood meal and close relatives attend the lunch ceremony.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 | 4:00 am
Dodhi Mangal
Pune
This ceremony is performed at the crack of dawn on the day of the wedding in the respective house of the bride and of the groom. Traditionally, married women go to a nearby pond or river. They invite the Goddess Ganga to the wedding and bring back a pitcher of water from the pond to individually bathe the bride and the groom. In modern times, Ganjes water is sprinkled on the bride and the groom in the morning.
The ceremony is completed with the bride and groom having Curd and chiruya(a rice variant) meal , before sunrise. After this, the Bride and the groom fast until the marriage ceremony is over.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 | 11:00 am
Gaye Holud
Pune
The 'Gaye Holud' takes place on the the wedding day morning. The groom is anointed with a paste of turmeric and scented oils. It is an intimate function filled with fun and laughter, where his relatives, especially the girls, mercilessly tease the groom!
The same paste is then sent across to the bride's home for her 'Gaye Holud' ceremony, which is much more elaborate.
The blowing of the conch, signals the arrival of the 'haldi paste' and gifts from the groom's home. The pride of place amongst all the gifts is a large 'rohu' (fish)!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 | 10:00pm
Biye
Pune
Shubh Dhristi & Mala Bodol
The bride,seated on a wooden platform (which is carried by her brothers) goes around the groom seven times, welcoming him. Her eyes are lowered and her face is hidden behind betel leaves. Shubho Drishti or auspicious 'viewing' is when the bride removes the betel leaves and the couple makes eye-contact.
The couple now exchanges garlands and the groom proceeds to the 'mandap' (marriage platform) followed by the bride.
Hasta Milap: Tying of the marital knot
The hands of the couple are tied together in a symbolic knot.
Saptapadi: Seven steps around the sacred fire
The couple takes the seven steps of matrimony around the sacred fire. The bride and groom take a vow with each step.
Sindoordaan
Performed at the end of the marriage rituals, this ceremony is the preserve of a husband. He applies the 'sindoor' or vermilion powder on the parting in the hair of his bride to establish her marital status
Wednesday, May 21, 2008 | 2:00 pm
Bodhu Boron
Ranchi
The mother of the groom,welcomes her daughter-in-law and son in a traditional way which is Bodhu Boron. The entire ritual of welcoming is very special and after the newly weds enter the house, they are blessed by the elders and after then small fun filled marrigae games follow where the bride and groom participate and they are cheered by the family members, close friends and relatives
Thursday, May 22, 2008 | 1:00pm
Bou Bhath
Ranchi
Bou Bhath is the first lunch of the bride at her in-laws. This is a special occassion and elders,relatives,friends and social circle of the groom's family get together and shower their blessings on the new couple. The occassion is significant as its the first time the bride serves lunch to the elders of her new family.
