A lavish matrimonial
dinner is served called the ‘Valimah’. This post -
matrimonial ceremony is thrown to publicise the marriage and give
the bridal couple an opportunity to meet relatives and friends.
An authentic Muslim menu of scrumptious non-vegetarian dishes
and Biryani is served. Here again the males and females dine separately.
The groom’s side bears the cost of this. The bridal couple
sits together meanwhile, with their heads covered by a dupatta
and offer prayer. After their prayers, they can catch a glimpse
of each other in a mirror.
After the post - matrimonial dinner, the bride then bids farewell
to her parents and relatives. This farewell is a very emotional
and a tearful parting. This Muslim matrimonial ceremony is known
as the ‘Rukshat’.
On arrival at her matrimonial home, the Muslim bride is welcomed
in while her mother-in-law holds the Quran over her head. The
husband is then made to carry his bride over the threshold of
the house. This is the ritual of ‘Dehleez Paar’.
During the ‘Chauthi’ (the fourth day after the wedding),
the bride visits the home of her parents. She is received in great
joy and festivity. Tradition has it that the newly wed couple
dines at the bride's parent's house on the fifth day. According
to Islamic custom, the Muslim matrimonial alliance should not
be a burden to the girl's parents and thus both parties share
the costs.
