A day before the
wedding the groom has to go through a pre - matrimonial ceremony
known as the ‘Janeu’ (sacred thread ceremony). He
is dressed in saffron. A hawan is performed, after which a holy
sacred thread is put around him, signifying his acceptance of
the matrimonial institution.
The custom of ‘Palla Dastoor’ or the ‘Padla’
is typical to the Marwari community. This consists of gifting
the bride her matrimonial attire inclusive of the 'Jadhau' (jewelry
of uncut diamonds set in gold) by her in-laws. The bride will
adorn these gifts, with the help of the groom’s sisters,
for the holy matrimonial ceremony. ‘Baan Chadana’
is performed at the respective houses for prosperity.
A Marwari ‘Barat’ (procession), consisting of only
male members accompanies the groom who is also dressed in all
splendour, to the venue of the matrimonial ceremony. The groom
(Nikasi) is received by the bride’s mother with an Aarti
(Baraat Swagat) and is then escorted to the mandap. Exchange of
the garlands (Varamala) takes place between the bride and groom
after which the ‘Saat Pheras’ (seven in number) are
performed. Like in all Hindu matrimonials, the ‘Kanyadan’
takes place, during which the bridal hands holding a silver or
gold coin are placed into the hands of the groom. The ‘Vidaai’
takes place and the bride leaves for her husband’s house
after the ‘Seer-Guthi’ (husband puts vermilion on
the center parting of the brides head).
The newly wedded bride is received at the groom’s house
(Vadhu Pravesh) with the ‘Grihapravesh’, which is
a post - matrimonial ceremony. Other post - matrimonial ceremonies
include the ‘Chura’ (mother-in-law presents bangles
to the bride) and the ‘Mooh Dikhai’. During the ‘Mooh
Dikhai’, the bride gets a chance to get acquainted with
all her new family members one by one. In her matrimonial home,
the bride is showered with a lot of warmth and love, as the Marwari
community believes that the coming of a bride denotes wealth,
fertility and prosperity.
