Pre-Wedding Rituals in Bengali Matrimony

A bengali wedding is undoubtdly a right mix of traditions, dignity and togetherness. Every hindu weddding in the Bengali community includes some pre wedding rituals which are followed by every family. Most of the time, the weddings are fixed by the parents or the elders of the family. However, these days matrimonial websites are also among the most popular and preferred ways to find the perfect life partner. After finding the suitable match, a formal meeting is organized between the two families and after agreeing over all the points a formal meeting is arranged between the boy and the girl. 

Generally, Bengalis do not believe in matching the horoscopes of the boy and girl. A Bengali matrimony is said to be fixed with a ceremony known as Ashirbad and the term stands for blessings. In Bengalis, most of the rituals are conducted at the bride’s place. During Ashirbad, the close family members and friends of the groom visit the bride’s home. The elders of the family shower the bride with gifts and blessings. 

In the similar fashion, the bride’s family goes to the groom’s house and the elders gift the groom with gifts and bless him. There is another ritual which holds importance in the Bengali matrimony is the Gaye Holud, which is celebrated in the morning of wedding day. Thick turmeric paste is applied on the face, hands, legs and other body parts of the bride and groom, of course in their respective homes only!

For the ritual, the turmeric is brought from the groom's home. In the evening, the groom along with his family members and friends goes to the bride’s place for the Bengali matrimony rituals. The wedding is performed among the sacred sound of conch shells and ululation of the women, symbolizing rejoicing and happiness of the couple.

Author: Rashmi