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. read more..
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.
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.