Though the procedure
of Indian matrimonials varies from state to state, marriages in
Maharashtra are held with joy and gaiety as in the Indian communities
throughout the nation. The Maharashtrian wedding is vibrant where
colorful customs, rituals, and traditions form its culture.
Maharashtrian Matrimonials begin with the ‘Sakhar Puda’
(Engagement), once the horoscopes of the bride and groom are matched
and the decision is made for them to marry. This is basically
a pre - matrimonial ceremony.
However before the ‘Sakhar Puda’, on the arrival of
the groom, in accordance to the community culture, a ‘Simant
Puja’ is held where the bridegroom’s family is worshipped.
In Marathi weddings, the engagement takes place in a very traditional
manner where a packet of sugar is exchanged between the two families.
This happens, as in most cases, a day or two before the actual
matrimonial ceremony. Other gifts like jewelry, silk saris and
other clothing are also exchanged between the two families. Food
is served thereafter.
On an auspicious day, before the actual Maharashtrian matrimonial
alliance, the groom’s parents invite the bride’s family
for a meal. If the families are residing in different cities,
then this is held a day before the marriage. The Maharashtrian
community also holds a ritual to invoke the harmony of the planets
and this is known as ‘Nav Grahi Shanti Pooja’.
The pre - matrimonial alliance rituals go on in abundance, reflecting
the love of the community to celebrate heartily. ‘Bangdi
Bharan’ is held at the bride’s house wherein the bride
is made to wear green bangles. The parents also gift her with
a gold pair of bangles. ‘Mehendi’ is not a traditional
ritual but however the community has adopted it with time. A day
before the actual matrimonial alliance, the bride is fed with
her favorite food cooked by her mother, as this is her last meal
before the wedding. This pre - matrimonial ceremony is known as
the ‘Kelvan’.
On the morning of the Maharashtrian wedding day, ‘Ghana
Bharne’ is performed as per the culture of the community.
Here, married women grind or pound grain like wheat, while the
bride, along with her parents, offers prayers to ensure that the
remaining rituals uptil the time of marriage go off smoothly.
Turmeric paste is then applied all over the bride’s and
the bridegroom’s body at their respective houses.
The days leading upto the actual matrimonial ritual are filled
with various occasions, with the members of the family from the
community cherishing the funfilled good times with music, dance
and delectable food. The bride also performs what is known as
‘Gauri Haar Puja’ as required by the norms of the
Maharashtrian matrimonial rituals. This ritual is performed until
the time of the Mauhrat and is also performed at the venue of
the wedding.
