The Marwari community
is one of the richest communities in India. It was not only their
work ethics that they preserved, but also a platform of cultural
heritage for the new generation. No matter how modern, well traveled
and rich they may be; Marwari marriages are still very much traditional
like any other Indian matrimonial ceremony. The Marwari community
is broadly made up of the Marwari Agarwals and the Marwari Oswal
Jain. The matrimonial ceremonies may differ slightly. However
there is no difference in the main ceremonies conducted.
So traditional is the Marwari community that, as a rule and custom,
they marry only within the community (except some). The first
and foremost step in Marwari matrimonials is the Horoscope matching
by the family astrologer. The Marwari wedding ceremonies are recognized
for their richness and elaborateness. The very prosperous Marwari
people have also been known to gift factories, estates and houses.
Lavishness laces the events of every matrimonial ceremony. No
compromise is made on the musicians, food, catering and clothes.
Lakhs and crores of rupees are spent on the pre and post - matrimonial
ceremonies. Even a simple matrimonial alliance in Rajasthan is
a very elaborate big affair.
After the matchmaking the pre - matrimonial ceremony of ‘Sagaai’
takes place at the groom’s house. ‘Khol Barana’
or ‘Mudha-Tikka’ is the actual Marwari engagement
ceremony. The groom’s family pays a visit to the house of
the bride-to-be, on an auspicious day, carrying coconuts, gifts,
dry fruits, clothes and jewelry on a silver tray. It is interesting
to note that neither the groom nor bride is present at this ceremony.
The groom’s sister bringing lavish gifts to the bride-to-be
marks the ‘Godh Barai’. The girl’s parents reciprocate
this on their visit to the groom’s house for the ‘Tikka’.
In the Marwari clan, ‘Ganapati Sthapna’ or ‘Naandi’
and ‘Grih Shanti’ are the second - most important
pre - matrimonial ceremonies. These are performed approximately
ten days before the actual wedding day. All other ceremonies commence
only after the ‘Sthapana’. This ritual in the Marwari
community wards off the evil eye, deaths and other obstacles,
which may cause a hindrance to the families involved in the matrimonial
alliance.
Once the Marwari engagement is officiated, the ‘Bathse’
takes place and personal invitations and sweets are distributed
for the wedding to the relatives and friends of the family. The
mama (mother’s brother) plays a crucial role in the marriage
and special attention is given in inviting him. The mama presents
gifts for the bride and the groom.
A few days prior to the Marwari wedding, the ‘Pithi Dastoor’
or ‘Bana Betai’ takes place. This involves preparing
the bride and groom (in their respective homes) for the actual
matrimonial ceremony. Paste made from oils, curds, sandalwood
and turmeric is applied to the faces, arms and feet of the bride
and the groom. After the ‘Tel Baan’ (ritual bath in
the Marwari matrimonial alliance) takes place, both the bride
and groom-to-be, are confined in their houses till the wedding
day.
However, prior to this, there is the ‘Mehfil’ (traditional
dances) or the ‘Sangeet’ (traditional singing) and
the ‘Mehendi’, which form an integral part of the
Marwari matrimonial ceremonies.
