Maharashtrian weddings truly represent elegance with classic fun. In comparison to other weddings, they are not loud. Rather, they enjoy celebrating in a subtle way. Their rituals are fun and interesting with an element of thrill and excitement.
The pre-wedding, wedding and post-wedding pattern remains same for every culture, but the detailed process varies a lot. So, let’s have a look at Maharashtrian wedding rituals.
Pre- Wedding Rituals & Ceremonies
1. Lagnaach Bedior
Well, this is a quite common and important ceremony for both the bride and groom. Lagnaach Bedior happens in every wedding, where a family priest comes over and matches the horoscope or patrikas of both the bride and groom.
Usually, if there’s any dosh or flaw, he indicates that and then further announces the correct time and date of the wedding. Earlier, people used to consider the priest’s advice a lot when it comes to marriages, especially arranged marriages.
Nowadays, all that matters is both of them should be happy with each other and understand their comfort zone.
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2. Sakhar Puda
Sakhar Puda is the official engagement ceremony of a Maharashtrian wedding. Usually, in this ceremony the groom’s mother gifts saree, jewellery, sweets or sakhar puda to the bride and that’s where the name of the ceremony originates.
Haldi and Kumkum is applied on the bride’s forehead by the groom’s mother and the same steps are then followed by the bride’s mother. After this, both of them exchange rings and mark the beginning of their future life.
3. Muhurt Karane and Wedding Invitation
Muhurt Karane usually is a procedure which starts months before the wedding day. The bride’s mother calls married women to make haldi, sandege (spice powder and pulses) and involves the activity of rolling papad.
The wedding cards are then distributed to relatives and friends with the first invitation going to Lord Ganesha so that he can shower his blessings on both the bride and the groom.
4. Kelvan and Halad Chadavane
Kelvan ritual is a puja which is performed to their family deity or Kuldevta for blessings. After this puja, both the families have meals together and enjoy the evening.
In Halad Chadavane, the same married women then apply turmeric paste on the hands, legs, forehead, etc, with the help of mango leaves on groom, which is then taken to the bride’s house for the same application. It’s almost same as the normal haldi ceremony.
Wedding Rituals
1. Seemant Puja
Seemant Puja happens when the groom reaches the wedding venue. The bride’s mom puts tilak on his forehead and washes his feet. Further, the bride’s family welcome the groom and his family with gifts and sweets.
2. Gaurihar Puja
In Gaurihar Puja, Goddess Parvati is worshipped, and the bride is dressed in her yellow wedding attire. There’s a mundavalya which is tied across the forehead of the bride. The maternal uncle of the bride gives her rice which she then offers to the idol.
3. Antarpat
Antarpat ritual is all about putting a silk shawl between the bride and the groom so that they can’t see each other. The priest then chants some religious mantras and after that both of them can see each other’s faces.
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4. Sankalp
After the Antarpat ritual, the shawl is removed, and the bride then enters the Mandap. The priest chants sacred vows or Mangalashtakas and the couple exchange garlands. In this course time, all the people showers them with whole rice or Akshata.
5. Kanyadaan
Kanyadaan is the most emotional ritual for a father as he gives his daughter’s hand to the groom and offers both of them his blessings. It’s very emotional because the daughter whom he raised up with love and care will start her new journey.
The groom in return promises the bride’s father that he will keep his daughter with love and support her till the end.
6. Lajahoma
In Lajahoma, the bride and groom chant three mantras and offer grains to the ignited sacred fire. The fourth mantra is silently uttered by the bride only. The couple is considered as avatars of Lakshmi & Vishnu.
They both tie turmeric threads in each other’s hands and then groom finally ties the official thread, ‘Mangalsutra’ around the bride’s neck. Lastly, he puts vermillion or sindoor on her forehead.
7. Saptapadhi
Saptapadhi ritual is when the bride and groom take seven rounds around the holy fire. Seven betel nuts are put on top of small mounds of rice and the bride is made to touch them with her right foot. She then puts her foot on a grindstone, after the seven rounds are completed.
The groom holds her foot or hand as a symbol of support and affection.
8. Karmasampati
In this ritual, until the fire puts out, both the bride and groom performs the Lakshmi Pujan. Then the groom gives a special name to the bride and the bride’s brother twists the groom’s ear as a warning that he must keep his sister properly.
The couple take blessings from all and then they have meals together.
Post-Wedding Rituals
1. Varat
Varat is a farewell ritual where the bride bids goodbye to her family and leaves for the groom’s house. This marks the beginning of her new journey. While the groom carries the idol from Gaurihar Puja, i.e. Goddess Parvati.
2. Grihaparvesh
Grihaparvesh means entry in the groom’s house. Once, both of them enters the house, the groom’s mother washes their feet with milk and water. She then welcomes the bride and groom by doing puja.
The bride is then made to kick the kalash filled with rice and then both of them enter the house by putting their right foot first which marks the sign of a positive energy.
3. Reception
Reception is common in every wedding culture. Usually, people come to a venue and have great food. They shower blessings and give them gifts to mark the beginning o their new journey.
Reception is all about having fun with relatives and cousins. The bride and groom wear outfits gifted by the opposite’s family. This is the final celebration party organized by both the families.
So, this was an insight to a grande Maharashtrian wedding. Hope you liked the journey!
Also Read – Marwari Wedding Rituals
