The beauty of a traditional Maharashtrian wedding lies in its simplicity. Let’s delve deep into its rich traditions and rituals!
Everyone is pretty aware of the cultural richness of Indian wedding rituals. Weddings from each region of India are unique in its way. Our team at Wedding Affair has decided to take you all on a cultural exploration through the regality of these unique regional weddings in our blog series. Featuring all the information you need to know about the rituals and traditions of these Indian regional weddings, this series will be a ride of joy and knowledge for you.
Today, we will explore the rituals of a traditional Maharashtrian wedding. It is infused with the simplicity of elegant rituals and traditions. Read below to know more!
Maharashtrian Pre-Wedding Rituals
Lagnaach Bedior
In the lagnaach bedior ritual of a Maharashtrian wedding, the horoscopes of both the bride and groom are matched before any further proceedings. After that, the family priest fixes an auspicious time and date for the wedding. This is known as the Maharashtrian vidhi.
Sakhar Puda
Sakhar Puda of a Maharashtrian wedding is similar to an engagement or roka ceremony. Both the mothers of the couple apply Haldi-Kumkum to their future son-in-law and daughter-in-law’s foreheads as a blessing and gift them jewellery, Sakhar Puda, or sweets. After this, the couple exchange engagement rings solidifying their coming union.
Muhurt Karane
After the engagement, the wedding preparation starts in full swing. The bride’s mother invites suhasanies, or married women to make turmeric powder and sandege (pulses and spice powder) in a mortar and pestle to be used later.
Wedding Invitation
As an integral part of Marathi culture, the first invitation is offered to Lord Ganesha for his blessings. After that, the other invitation cards are sent out to the guests and extended family.
Kelvan
Kelvan is performed a few days before the wedding where both families perform a puja to their Kuldevta, or family deity, for blessings. Following this ceremony, a huge feast is enjoyed by family and close friends.
Halad Chadavane
The same married women from Muhurta Karane perform this Maharashtrian version of Haldi. In this, turmeric paste with mango leaves is applied all over the groom’s body. The same ritual is performed over the bride with the same paste taken after the groom’s ritual.
Read Also: The Beauty of a Traditional Parsi Wedding!
Maharashtrian Wedding Rituals
Ganpati Puja and Gurihar Puja
The auspicious wedding day commences with the Ganpati Puja to ensure a bright future for the couple. In Gurihar Puja, the bride dressed in her bridal attire worships the goddess Parvati for her prosperous marital life.
Antarpat
In Antarpat, the groom enters the mandap and sits on his designated spot. Then, a curtain known as antarpat is hung in front of him to restrict his view of the bride opposite him.
Sankalp
In Sankalp, the bride enters the mandap with the priest chanting the mangalashtakas accompanied by music. The antarpat is then removed for the couple to exchange varmalas.
Lajahoma
In the final Maharashtrian wedding rituals, the bride and groom offer grain to the sacred fire in the mandap while chanting mantras. After that, the bride’s parents worship the couple as avatars of Vishnu and Laxmi, and the couple then tie a turmeric thread on each other’s hands. Ultimately, the groom ties the mangalsutra around the bride’s neck and puts vermillion between her hair parting.
Karmasamapti
The couple performs the Laxmi Pujan until the fire goes out. The groom then gives the bride a new name. Finally, the bride’s brother teasingly twists the groom’s ear to remind him of his marital duties, and the couple takes everyone’s blessings in the end.
Read Also: Guide to Plan Your Dreamy Kolkata Wedding!
The traditional Maharashtrian wedding is a perfect fusion of simplicity in its deep cultural traditions and rituals.
