Wedding Rituals in Jat Matrimony

The Jat are prevalent in northern India in western UP, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat. Although the main profession of the Jat is agriculture, education and politics have changed the lifestyle of the Jat and they are very active in politics, and have good positions in all the fields. Wedding in Jat is allowed within the same community only, however, alliances within same gotra and village are strictly prohibited in Jat matrimony. Jats have very strict norms about wedding and never accept wedding outside the community.

The functions in Jat matrimony commence with chak puja, wherein the boy’s and girl’s families worship the potter’s wheel. The bride is presented with a number of gifts from her maternal side, in a ritual called ‘Bhat Mayero’. In a similar fashion, the groom is also given various presents from the bride’s family, which includes clothes, jewels, clothes, etc.

The wedding procession including the groom, his kin and friends reaches the bride’s home on the wedding day, where the bride’s family welcomes the groom and his family. Like other Hindu communities, the priest performs the wedding rituals, which start with offering prayers to Lord Ganesha. The wedding rituals in Jat matrimony are performed amidst the regional wedding and devotional songs, which make the environment very auspicious and fun-filled.

The rituals involved in Jat matrimony are similar to those of Hindus. The corners of the groom’s dhoti and bride’s sari or dupatta are tied together to form a wedlock, and the couple walks round the sacred fire seven times (‘saptapadi’). The couple takes vows, and the groom puts vermillion in the bride’s hair partition, and the couple is formally recognized as husband and wife. The bride’s father giver away his daughter (Kanyadaan) to the groom and the bride bids adieu to her paternal home, and starts a new life in her new home.

Author: Rashmi Karan

Islam Matrimony - An Occasion to Remember

Marriages are made in heaven but solemnized on Earth; this is a famous adage, which holds true for the Islam matrimony as well. The concept of marriage means finding a life partner who is a friend, companion and confidante, and with whom one shares the entire life. Followers of Allah adhere to the Islamic religion and Nikah is the name given to Islam matrimony. It is basically a union of a man and woman, who agree to get married and stay together for their whole life. A lot of sanctity is observed in Islam matrimonies.

In Islam matrimony, a lot of preference is given to the close relatives and cousins while setting marriages. A significant place is occupied by “cousins” in their community and hence they have “parallel cousin” and “cross cousin” marriages. Possible matrimonial alliances are generally suggested by the elders of the family or community but with the changing times the boys and girls select their life partners according to their wishes as well. The boys and girls generally wish to have a cultured, beautiful, well educated, trustworthy and compatible person as their soul mate.

Like any other community, the Islam matrimony also takes place in three stages i.e. pre-wedding, wedding and post-wedding ceremonies. After the marriage has been fixed by both families, the groom’s mother visits the bride’s place and offers her sweets and gifts during pre-wedding ceremonies. The groom’s mother ties a gold or silver coin on the bride’s arm. This coin is believed to be very auspicious.

After the father of the groom fixes the marriage date, a gift, which is preferably cash, is sent to the bride’s father. Relatives of both sides gather and attend the engagement ceremony, also known as “mangani”. On this occasion, sweets, gifts, fruits, etc are exchanged. The bride wears yellow colored clothes during Manjha ceremony and turmeric is applied on her body. Turmeric is believed to have special properties that can make the bride’s skin glow, and make her look more beautiful. Another important ceremony observed in Islam matrimony is the mehendi ceremony where henna or mehendi is applied on the hands of the bride. Next, ‘Sanchaq’ is sent for the bride by the groom’s family, which includes clothes and jewelry for the Nikah. A beautiful and heavy bridal dress is chosen for the bride that is called a Sharara. A heavy and attractive duppatta is taken over the head as a mark of respect.

 The groom arrives at bride’s house in a procession which includes close relatives, friends and family members. The groom and bride’s brother drink sorbet when the procession reaches at bride’s place. The bride dresses in the clothes and jewelry sent to her as Sanchaq by groom’s family during the Nikah ceremony.

In Muslims, a Moulvi or a priest, in the presence of a Qazi (law officer), conducts the Nikah. Two men act as witnesses and the father of the bride and groom are also present during this ceremony as 'Walis'. The bride’s father is present to protect the rights of his daughter. The custom of “meher” is mandatory in Islam matrimony which is given to the bride as a nuptial gift by the groom’s family.

On this occasion, the Maulvi reads verses from Quran and then the Ijab-e-Qubul ceremony takes place in which the proposal is accepted. Next the groom’s proposal is accepted by the bride as the mutual consent is very important in Islam matrimony. The “nikahnama” is then signed by the couple after the proposal has been accepted. These ceremonies are then followed by a sumptuous feast and celebration where the newlyweds sit together in anticipation of their married life ahead.

Sonali writes on behalf of Jeevansathi.com, which is India’s fastest growing Matrimonial website.

Changing Styles of Wedding Dress in Arora Matrimony

The bride needs to look magnificent in her wedding, so the bridal trousseau and jewellery has to be uniquely designed. At the time of wedding, all eyes remain concentrated on the bride and groom. So it is very obvious for them to pay some extra attention on their looks. The bridal wear varies from bridal lehenga, saree and suit, the choice mainly depends on the family values and traditions, besides the personal preference of the bride.

Among all the communities in India, Punjabi matrimonial has emerged as the trendsetters when it comes to wedding attire. Arora community is one such group. The wedding dress and jewellery worn by brides associated with Arora matrimonial are similar to those worn by Sikh brides. The main dress for an Arora bride is salwar suit with Phulkari and Gota work, paired with matching jutties. The duppata is heavily embroidered with golden and silken threads, and also has golden kinaris.

The jutties are designed into sleek toe and round shape, and are very flamboyant with special aari, sippi and salma work. These special designs make the Punjabi juttis stand apart from other types of juttis.

However, the trend of dressing in Arora matrimonies has changed now, and the brides love to experiment with their attire and look. Today’s brides love to include designer lehenga and jewellery in their wardrobe, besides traditional salwar suits.

The lehengas are available in a wide range of colours, most in the hues of red, pink and green. Some of the experimental and unique lehengas are also available in mint, magenta and even gold and silvers. Fabrics used for designing those lehengas are generally silks, crepe, georgette, kengi and many others. The brides themselves have the freedom to design the lehengas according to their personal choice.

Jewellery is another important accessory in the bridal outfit, which makes the bridal attire complete and adds grace to it. The wedding jewellery contributes to a bride's transformation from the simple and a girl next door to a blushing and beautiful bride.

The bride must present herself as a picture-perfect epitome of beauty! It is advised that the costume, jewellery and other accessories should be tried by the bride herself to avoid any kind of hassle and look like a princess. The latest style mantra this season is simple yet elegant, unique yet understated.

Latest Styles of Wedding Dresses in Punjabi Matrimonial

Punjabi Wedding Dress

At any wedding party, all eyes are on the bride and the groom, so it becomes obvious for them to pay extra attention on the dresses and accessories. A magnificent wedding dress and jewellery complementing the overall looks of the bride will add elegance and charm to her beauty.

Bridal wear in Punjabi Matrimonial varies from lehenga, saree and suit, depending upon the personal choice and the family traditions. However, when it comes to wedding dress, Punjabis have always been the trendsetters who have always experimented with their dresses and looks. The wedding dress and jewellery worn by brides in Punjabi matrimonial are similar to those worn by Sikh brides. Salwar suit with Phulkari and Gota work is the main bridal wear for the brides. The bridal wear is paired with matching jutties, and duppata, which are beautifully and heavily embellished with golden and silken threads. The dupatta also has beautiful golden kinaris.

The dressing style of Punjabi brides has also changed with the change in fashion. These days, brides love to include designer lehenga and jewellery in their bridal trousseau.

The lehengas designed by well-known designers like Satya Paul, Neeta Lulla, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, etc have gained popularity among the brides. Such dresses are very costly because of the attached brand name and the material used in designing them. Generous use of gold and silver threads, golden beads and Swarovski crystals are used to decorate the lehengas, adding a royal charm to them.

You can find lehengas in a wide range of colours. The most popular being the hues of red, pink, orange, golden, silver and green. The fabrics used to create such lehengas are silk, crepe, georgette, kengi and many others. If you are planning to design your wedding lehenga, it will be the best option, and you will save lots of money, while adding a personal touch to your wedding trousseau. The brides themselves have the freedom to design the lehengas according to their personal choice.