A brief outline of the Vivaah Sanskaar or Hindu Wedding Ceremony in Trinidad & Tobago

 

Matikor (Done before Wedding Day)

This is the ritual digging of earth to make a bedi. A tray is placed on the Dulaha/Dulahin’s sister or a representative and accompanied by Female members of the family & friends they go to a water source. At the chosen spot, puja is done and the earth dug and placed in a tray. When everyone returns home, 5 married ladies move a lota of water over the tray in a circular motion 5 times.



Vivaah Sanskaar or Hindu Wedding Ceremony

1) Agwaani or Baraat Milaap

When the members of the dulaha’s (groom’s) party arrive near the wedding venue, the dulaha (groom) remains in the car and a representative group is led by the groom’s father or elder from the dulaha’s home to meet with a representative group of the dulahin (bride). Following instructions from the officiating Pundit (Hindu Priest) the two groups meet. When they meet, respectful and appropriate greetings are exchanged and the guests are shown to the accommodations prepared for them.

2) Parchay

The dulahin’s (bride’s) mother and four other married ladies go to the dulaha waiting in his vehicle and give him a formal ritual welcome. The bride’s mother throws 6 flour balls in the 4 cardinal directions, up in the air and on the ground. The dulaha is showered with flowers and arti (sacred light) is waved in a clockwise direction in front of him. The 4 married ladies also repeat these rituals. When they are finished the brother in law of the dulaha escorts him respectfully to the seat specially prepared for him.



3) Dwaar Puja

At the main entrance (Dwaar/Door) of the wedding venue a suitable place is prepared for puja. This yajmans for this puja are the Dulaha (Groom) and the Father of the Dulahin (Bride) or a suitable representative. The Dulaha (Groom) faces East and the Dulahin’s (bride’s) father sits opposite him.

To be continued ...

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