The Spectacle of Indian Weddings – An In-Depth View
Marriages are made in Heaven" is a famous quote and while we mention this, How can we forget to mention our Motherland India, which is known for its festivity spirit, rituals, traditions, and so many things? Marriage is one such "Sanskaar "performed during one’s life. It is a sacred ritual(vivaah/Shaadi) celebrated with great enthusiasm and grandiosity. From selecting the food for guests to 'Vidaai' of the Bride, everything is done with a lot of pomp and show, and why not?? Its a once in a once-in-a-lifetime important event to which everyone's dreams are attached. Wedding is considered very sacred in India irrespective of religion. It’s a turning point in one’s life. It is a way of paying our debts to our ancestors by starting our own family. It's believed that it’s a bond of seven lifetime and is expected to be executed with utmost dedication and loyalty.
Indian Weddings are not just about the bride and groom but also about their families. Families from both sides come together to celebrate the union and form a bond that will last a lifetime. The families take great care to ensure that the wedding ceremony is conducted according to their customs and traditions. It's a marriage of 2 families(bride's and groom's) and not just 2 souls. Like the couple is tied in a knot, so are the families tied for a lifetime sharing good and bad times.
India is a land of varied cultures and diversity so weddings, customs, and rituals are performed differently in various places. There is a huge variation in the customs, bridal dress, duration of wedding, food, and so on. There are so many customs and rituals during this entire process and each ritual has a deep spiritual/philosophical significance. During the poignant vidaai ceremony, a deeply symbolic and touching tradition unfolds. As the bride bids farewell to her parental home, she performs a ritual where she throws coins over her shoulder while walking away. This act carries profound significance rooted in cultural symbolism.
In Hindu tradition, the bride is often revered as Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. The coins she scatters represent this divine association, symbolizing wealth and good fortune. The ritual is rich with meaning: by throwing the coins, the bride is conveying a heartfelt message of continuity and prosperity. Even as she departs to start a new chapter of her life, she wishes to ensure that the blessings of Lakshmi—symbolized by the coins—remain with her family.
Family members, in turn, collect these coins in their clothing, signifying their acceptance of the bride's well-wishes and the continuation of prosperity in their home. This beautiful tradition underscores the deep respect and love that characterizes Indian weddings, reflecting the bride's enduring connection to her family and her heartfelt desire for their continued well-being.
Planning for an Indian wedding can start as early as 7-8 months in advance to ensure that you get the best of variety, prices, gifts, locations, hotels, arrangements, and many other things. Normally an Indian wedding is an affair of 3-5 days at least depending on your gathering, venue, guests, and most importantly Budget.
A marriage in India is a big event for everyone. ALL are invited from your ex-school mates to your house help/nanny. Everyone is very excited and wants to put their best foot forward, still, the excitement of a girl is unmatchable
When attending an Indian wedding, embracing bold and vibrant colors can enhance your experience and help you blend seamlessly with the celebratory atmosphere. Indian weddings are renowned for their lively and colorful celebrations, so don’t hesitate to wear bright hues and eye-catching jewelry to match the festive mood.
The Bride can wear a rich-colored (red, magenta, gold, orange color sari or a heavy bridal lehenga for her D-day adorned with a beautiful jewelry set and elegant makeup.
For men, suits are a comfortable and suitable option. However, if you're open to exploring traditional attire, consider wearing a Kurta Pajama or a Sherwani. These outfits often come in a range of bright colors, which are encouraged to reflect the joyous spirit of the celebration. Ultimately, choose attire that you feel most comfortable and confident in, ensuring you fully enjoy the vibrant festivities of the marriage.
It’s a 3 -5 day long affair with a lot of fun frolic, sumptuous food, gossip, games, dance, music, and halla gulla and masti. It's a time when nearby, far off all sorts of relatives meet under one roof, know each other especially the kids who don’t know the relations also and form life long bondings.
Gradually ceremonies are performed be it the Sagan Ceremony, Cocktail, Mehandi function, Haldi function, or Wedding followed by Vidaai and winding up of the entire event, sending off relatives, paying off vendors, and resetting your house.
One thought to ponder over "Is it worth" ?
For many, this involves significant financial commitments, sometimes stretching beyond their means. The desire to uphold family traditions and the wish to make the event special can lead to borrowing, spending more than usual, and fulfilling specific expectations. This often stems from a deep-seated cultural emphasis on creating a lasting impression and showcasing the importance of the occasion.
While the lavishness of these weddings is a testament to the cultural value placed on such milestones, it’s important to balance this with practical considerations. Families may face financial strain as they navigate the expectations and expenses associated with these celebrations. Efforts to address these challenges, such as setting realistic budgets and focusing on what truly matters, can help ensure that the celebrations remain joyful and sustainable.
Celebrate Wisely, without creating a liability for Married couples and their families. You can shop in your budget from our website
Leave a comment
Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.