Marriages in India are rooted in age-old customs. Traditional weddings differ slightly according to the customs of the family members, but most Indian weddings are classic celebratory events that involve the participation of relatives, friends, and family members.
The state of Himachal Pradesh, which is close to the Himalayan region, is no different from the colorful Indian weddings. Let us delve into the unique Himachali wedding traditions and get a better understanding of their wedding rituals.
Let’s Delve Deeper And Learn About Himachali Wedding Traditions
The state of Himachal Pradesh is known for its hilly terrain and is inhabited by tribals. Tribal weddings are slightly different from other marriage rituals held by Himachali people. But the basic traditions are pretty similar.
Halad/Haldi
It is a ceremony held in the morning on the day of the marriage. The bride and groom take part in this ceremony but not together. The ceremony is held at the respective residences of the bride and groom with their family members. Himachalis prepare a turmeric paste, often with milk and sandalwood, during this ritual.
Now, they liberally apply this mixture to the bride and groom because they believe this paste will give the couple glowing skin. Turmeric and sandalwood are also considered sacred. Thus, Himachalis believe this ritual will remove negative energies and foster positivity.
Sehra Bandi
Marriages in the hilly regions often witness the use of beautiful headgear for the groom and the groomsmen. The groom wears a special turban and has another attachment known as sehra, made with flowers.
The mother of the groom often prepares the sehra for her son. It is prepared with utmost love and care and is gorgeous to look at. The sehra covers the face of the groom before the marriage, which protects them from the “Buri Nazar,” or the evil eye.
Kanyadaan
It is a traditional custom where the bride’s father gives her hand to the groom so that she can start a new life with her husband, accompanied by the blessings of the forefathers.
Saptapadi
Unlike other Hindu marriages, Himachali marriage has the Jaimala ritual followed by the Saptapadi. During Saptapadi, the couple circles around the Agni Kund or the fire. The bride and the groom take seven rounds around the fire and vow to be there for each other in their future life.
The priest chants the holy mantras while friends and family members shower flower petals on the bride and groom while they circle the Agni Kund. Himchalis believe that after completing the Saptapadi, the wedding ritual concludes.
The Wedding Attire
The traditional attire of the Himachali bride includes a red shawl and a nose ring. All Himachali brides flaunt beautiful nose rings. The groom can wear a sherwani and a woolen cap to stand out.
Conclusion
The pride of a state is often vested in its traditional customs, and wedding traditions are held in high esteem. Brides and grooms give due respect to their wedding culture and prefer to marry according to their Pahadi rituals.
