Gujrat is one of the most prosperous states of India. This western state of India is known for its culture and tradition. This beautiful state has a marvelous history ranging from Indus valley civilization to till date. Marriages in this part of India are important ritual. Marriages in this part of India are known as Gujarti wedding.

These marriages are different from most of the region of the country. Mouthwatering cuisines and harness used in gujarti weddings makes it a memorable joyful occasion for the marrying couples and family. Gujarat marriages are known for their special dresses, jewelry and unique custom. These grand wedding are a treat to eyes.

Most of the Gujrati brides wear sari in gujarti style. There are two types of wedding sarees popular in gujrati weddings.

Panetar – this is a white saree with red border

Gharchola – white saree with woven gold squares and bandhini borders
Though the most popular wedding colour for bride dresses is Red but in recent time modern couloured designs are getting popularity.

Grooms in gujarti weddings wear traditional gujarti dresses like dhoti and kurta of gujarti style with a badhej dupatta. But in modern time many grooms prefer western dresses and north Indian dresses like sherwani.

Most of the Gujarat marriage happens is arranged marriage, though trends are getting changed. In these marriages parents of bride and groom meets to decide the wedding dates, dowry and other functions. After deciding on all these Marriage starts with sagai.

Sagaai: This is engagement ceremony at the groom’s place or at a neutral venue, where the bride and groom exchanges rings. On this occasion Family of Bride offers sweets, gifts or cash to the groom and his family. All members of both families join the ceremony to celebrate the moments. Usually at this occasion bride family offers gift and clothes to groom and his family. This is an official announcement of the marriage and marriage date.

Ganesha is known as the first god for all auspicious occasions and hence for getting the blessings of Lord Ganesha Both the families starts their marriage proceedings with mangal muhurat. In mangal Muhurat ceremony both the families offers Puja to lord Ganesha for the successful completion of marriage. Families seek the blessings of Ganesha for the happy and peaceful life of the wedding couples.

Mangal muhurat is followed by Griha Shanti Puja. Gujrati population believes that all the marriages are fixed in heaven and it’s the planet which decides the all good and bad in life. So for the well being in the marriage life of the couples they perform worship of navgraha (Nine planets).

Haldi/ Pithi: haldi is a ceremony in which both bride and groom are hollowed with the turmeric paste. Turmeric and oil are natural cleanser and its gives a glowing skin. In many castes, grooms family sends turmeric for bride.

Mehndi haldi is a ceremony in which both bride and groom are hollowed with the turmeric paste. Turmeric and oil are natural cleanser and its gives a glowing skin. In many castes, grooms family sends turmeric for bride.

After above mentioned rituals the main wedding rituals and functions start. Gujarati weddings have some common rituals and customs, which are:

Swagat / Ponkvu: This is a custom of welcoming the groom and his family or baraat at the wedding venue. Bride’s mother with all family ladies performs an aarti of Groom and tries to grab groom’s nose gently at the entrance of wedding venue. Also father – in – law of groom welcomes the groom’s father and entire baraat.

This ceremony is followed by Jaimal. Jaimal is exchange of garlands between the bride and groom. This is symbol of the willingness of both the bride and groom to marry each other.

Madhuparka is an important ritual. Madhupark is combination drink of milk and honey which is offered to groom by bride’s family. Bride’s family members also wash the groom.

Juta chori is also interesting custom of most of the Indian wedding. In this important ritual the bride’s family (especially sisters of bride) tries to steal the groom’s shoes. If succeeded, they get cash offering to return the shoes. Usually at the time of madhuperk when bride family washes the feet of groom, sisters try to steal the Shoes.

Kanya Agamana: literally mean “bride’s coming”. Bride with her maternal uncle comes to altar. A thin screen is placed between bride and the groom. Here the screen is lowered and the couple exchanges garlands.

Kanya Daan: this literally means the “giving away daughter.” In this ritual the father of the daughter washes the feet of groom and with mantras he offers his daughter to groom. Many believe that no life is complete without a Kanyadan.

Gathjod/ Hasta Milap: In this ritual groom’s scarf and bride’s saree are tied with one another. This is symbol of their union as couple. Every one present Altar mandap showers rose petals and grains on wedding couple.

Pheras: seven Pheras are symbol seven vows of marriage. Both bride and groom take seven round of sacred altar fire. Each phera is a vow of marriage. In some marriages couples takes four pheras that symbolizes the four pillars of life and marriage that are ‘dharma’, ‘artha’, ‘kama’ and ‘moksha’.

Chero Pakaryo: In this custom, the groom grabs the border of mother in laws saree. Mother in law offers gifts to his son in law to leave the pallu (saree).

Shubh Ashirwaad: couple seeks the blessings of family and all the elders present in mandap.

Viddai: This is the ritual of valediction. Bride’s family wishes prosperous life to couple. This is an emotional moment when bride family shows their love towards their daughter. It is time when bride moves to the new family leaving the parents home.

Akei bakei: this is welcome game for new couple. In this game coins or a ring are putted in a vessel filled with colored water. Both have to compete to get that maximum number of times. Who first reaches to seven points is considered as winner.

Reception: This is a dinner party to welcome the bride in new family. Grooms family meets the new bride and offers her various gifts. This is the ritual which helps to bring her closer to the groom’s family

Visit Gujarti marriage to enjoy a memorable marriage ceremony.

Raja Kumar