The Gujarati community
reflects unbounded enthusiasm in the affairs of matrimonial alliance.
Gujarati’s are known to exhibit adaptability, energy, and
material progress, without sacrificing their traditional identity
or essential simplicity in their matrimonial alliances. Gujarati
matrimonials adhere to certain principles and practice, which
reveal their deep-rooted sense of belonging to the Indian Community.
It is important to note however, that there maybe a slight differentiation
in matrimonials and rituals performed due to the different Gujarati
sects. However, the difference is negligible. The Gujarati originated
from a thriving province and this is definitely reflected in the
pre - matrimonial and post - matrimonial ceremonies that take
place. Conservative by nature, when it comes to rituals and customs,
the Gujarati family is held together by prayer and religious practices.
Like in other Indian matrimonials and their alliances, the Gujarati
community too begins a matrimonial alliance with pre - wedding
rituals. The ‘Chandlo’ (applying the vermilion mark
on the forehead) denotes the acceptance of a matrimonial alliance
between two families. This is also known as the ‘Chandlo
Maatli’. This pre - matrimonial ceremony is conducted before
the wedding date is fixed. After the priest has officiated the
alliance, garlands are exchanged between the couple along with
gifts between the two families. In the Gujarati community, an
astrologer is consulted to fix an auspicious wedding date. Snacks
or a meal usually follow this pre - matrimonial ceremony.
Another pre - matrimonial ritual that is undertaken is the ‘Mandap
Mahurat’ at the homes of the Gujarati bride and the groom-to-be.
The families pray to Lord Ganesh, the Hindu God, to seek his blessings
and to remove all obstacles. The ‘Ganesh Sthapana’
or the ‘Ganesh Matli’ is the commencement of all Gujarati
matrimonial festivities. In the Gujarati community, Lord Ganesha
is always the first deity to be worshipped at any significant
event. The 'puja' is performed in both homes by the paternal aunts
and in return gesture, they are showered with lavish gifts for
their efforts.
The Gujarati community’s love for Garba & Dandia Raas
reflects the vibrancy and ethnicity in Gujarati Weddings. The
'Garba Raas' is a graceful Gujarati folk dance, which captures
the essence of celebration and is performed in large circles by
women singing and dancing to the beat of the dhol (drum). Rhythmic
dances performed with sticks or dandias are performed with the
males joining in the fun. These folkdances are known as the ‘Dandia
Raas'. The ‘Garba Dandia Raas’ is normally held after
sunset, up until midnight. This pre - matrimonial ritual is energetic
and touches the pitch of celebrations. However, before this, the
Gujarati bride and all the womenfolk adorn their hands with Mehendi
(henna). Like in every Indian matrimonial ritual, Mehendi (henna)
is ground into a paste and applied by professional mehendiwallis
(henna artists) in fine design on the palms and feet of the bride.
The next Gujarati marriage ritual that follows is the ‘Pithi’
and involves the beautification of the bride and the groom-to-be.
This is held simultaneously in both homes. This prepares the bride
and groom for the actual holy matrimonial alliance. A paste called
'pithi' is prepared of sandalwood powder, turmeric, herbs, aromatic
oils and rose water. The paste is then applied to the face, arms
and legs of the groom and the bride by the members of respective
families. The bride keeps this on until the pre - matrimonial
ceremony of the 'Griha Shanti' is completed. A small ceremony
called the 'Ookarhi Nautarvi' is conducted after the pithi, wherein
the kaaki (paternal aunt) places an iron nail, a whole supari
(betel nut) and a one - rupee coin in a shallow hole dug by the
'pujari'. The Gujarati’s do this to ensure that no evil
spirits enter the venue of the wedding. ‘Griha Shanti’,
which is an important puja or prayer ritual, is then held at the
respective matrimonial homes.
