WEDDINGS OF INDIA – MAHARASHTRIAN WEDDING
INDIAN WEDDING – MARATHI WEDDING
A Maharashtrian Wedding usually takes place in the morning. As the marriage is fixed, both the families exchange a packet of sugar, which is called the “Sakhar Puda”, and this is basically the engagement. Then the “Haldi” ceremony takes place, in which turmeric paste is applied to both bride and the groom (separately), as turmeric is considered to be a very sacred thing. As the groom arrives at the venue of marriage with his family, a ceremony called “Seeman Poojan” or “Shreemanti”, in which the parents of the bride wash the groom’s feet and shower him with gifts.
When the auspicious time for the wedding called “Muhoort” approaches, the bride is accosted to the mandap by her maternal uncle “Mama”. The groom and the bride are not supposed to look at each other as the “Antarpat” ceremony takes place where a silk partition is placed between them. The ladies of both the families, sometimes also gents, sing “Mangalashtak” which are specific mantras in a typical tune. Then it is followed by removal of the silk cloth and guests shower rice over the couple. Then the bride and the groom exchange garlands. The process of “Kanyadan” and “Saptapadi” take place in the afternoon in a similar manner to those of any Hindu marriage where the father hands over the his daughter to the groom and later the couple take seven rounds or “Pheras” around the ceremonial fire.
Then, in the evening or next day evening, a grand reception takes place where all the guests are invited for a feast and to bless the newly weds.
