Uttarakhand is one of the most beautiful states of India, which flaunts mesmerizing beauty of nature. The state is divided into two regions, Garhwal and Kumaon. The Garhwal and Kumaon divisions are surrounded by amazingly high hills and scenic beauty. Both the divisions have different lifestyle and different wedding customs.
The wedding traditions are unique and the region has an applauding anti-dowry approach. The Garhwali matrimonial follows a strict caste system and arranged marriages are only preferred. Every wedding includes matching of horoscopes of the boy and the girl, fixing of wedding dates, etc. the weddings are fixed as per the status of the families only.
The first step to conduct a wedding is engagement ceremony, where the families of both bridegroom to be present gifts to each other and the boy and girl exchange rings. At the time of wedding, a procession is led with a white flag (Nishaan), which depicts that the groom is clad with the Baratis and traditional band including shehnai, piper, nagada and drums. At the end of the procession, a man carries a red flag, representing the bride.
After the wedding procession reaches the bride’s home, the groom is welcomed and ethnic food is served to the Baratis. The Garhwali brides wear a big nose ring made up of gold, known as nath, which symbolizes prosperity. The nose ring is presented to the bride by the groom’s family.
The wedding rituals in Garhwali matrimonial include seven steps, where the couple takes seven rounds of the sacred fire. After these rituals, the couple is declared as husband and wife. The bride bids adieu to her family and the marriage procession returns with the bride and groom together. The procession is led with a red flag and a red doli. At the time of returning, the last man of the procession holds the white flag.
Author: Rashmi Karan
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