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 ...
