Bengali marriages are known for their elaborate rituals and traditions that are steeped in culture and symbolism. The ceremonies are a blend of Hindu and Muslim customs, making them a unique and colorful experience.
- The pre-wedding rituals begin with the “Ashirvad” ceremony, where the bride and groom’s families formally give their blessings to the couple.
- Sagai ceremony: This is the engagement ceremony where the engagement ring is exchanged between the couple.
- The next set of rituals are the “Haldi” ceremony, where turmeric paste is applied to the bride and groom’s skin for purification and beautification. The “Mehendi” ceremony is also an important pre-wedding ritual, where the bride’s hands and feet are adorned with henna designs.
- The wedding day begins with the “Baran Dala” ceremony, where the groom’s family goes to the bride’s house to bring her to the wedding venue. The bride is then dressed in a traditional red and white saree, and her hair is adorned with flowers and jewelry. The groom also wears traditional Bengali attire, including a dhoti and kurta.
- The main wedding ceremony is called the “Saat Phere” ceremony, where the couple takes seven vows in front of a sacred fire. The ceremony is performed by a Hindu priest and is accompanied by the playing of traditional Bengali music.
- After the wedding ceremony, the couple is showered with flower petals and rice, signifying their union and blessings from family and friends. The reception that follows is a grand and joyous affair, with music, dance, and delicious Bengali food.
What are rituals after marriage?
In Bengali culture, the rituals after a marriage, also known as post-wedding ceremonies, include:
- Sindoor Daan: The groom applies sindoor (vermilion powder) on the parting of the bride’s hair, signifying that she is now a married woman.
- Sindoor Khori: Sindoor Khori is a ritual that takes place on the next morning after the wedding, where the bride’s mother-in-law applies sindoor on the bride’s forehead.
- Gaye Holud: A day before the wedding, the groom’s family and friends visit the bride’s family and smear turmeric paste on her skin, it is a kind of pre-wedding ritual.
- Bou Bhaat: It is a traditional Bengali ceremony held after the wedding, where the bride cooks a meal for her new in-laws and serves it to them as a sign of her gratitude and love for them.
- Graha Shanti: This is a ritual that is performed to remove any negative energies or influences from the couple’s new home and to bring good luck.
- Chooda & Sindoor ceremony: In this ceremony, the bride’s mother-in-law helps her wear chooda and sindoor, these are the traditional bangles and vermilion powder, worn by married women.
- Reception: A grand reception with music, dance, and delicious Bengali food, where the newlyweds are introduced to the society as a married couple.
These rituals and ceremonies are steeped in culture and symbolism, each having their own meaning and significance to the Bengali culture. These rituals are usually performed by the couple’s family members and close friends and are usually followed by a grand reception to celebrate the union of the couple.
Profile of “The Royal Reception”
“The Royal Reception” is a wedding planning and event coordination business that specializes in creating grand and elegant Bengali weddings. We pride ourselves on our attention to detail and our ability to bring traditional Bengali culture and customs to life in a modern and sophisticated way.
Our services include, but are not limited to, venue selection, vendor coordination, decor design, wedding planning and coordination, and post-wedding ceremonies. We work closely with our clients to understand their vision and preferences, and we strive to bring that vision to life while also incorporating traditional Bengali customs and rituals.
Our team of experienced event planners and coordinators have a deep understanding of Bengali culture and customs and are dedicated to ensuring that every aspect of the wedding is executed seamlessly. We have a wide range of vendors that we work with, including florists, caterers, photographers, and musicians, to ensure that every aspect of the wedding is of the highest quality.
