Rituals in Hindu wedding
Have we ever imagined how the concept of marriage emerged? We dress up, search for food counters, socialize,. Etc. But have we ever imagined is this all about a marriage? What was the need to marry.
Well going back to ancient times there was no practice called marriage! Humans are selfish creature. When the concept of private property emerged our very own value of sharing and caring seems invalid!
If someone owns a private property, who will be the successor of that property? Well he need to have someone of his own flesh or blood. To identify that the concept of marriage emerged where a women can share her physical intimacy with her husband only!
Slowly and steadily if we go and search within the pages of Sana than dharma the idea of swaymber can be seen. Where a women have the right to choose her husband.
Contradictory right? Scientifically on a side women were tagged like a private asset meanwhile santhan dharama shows the glory of women rights.
Now that’s what we are talking about! Rituals in a Hindu wedding. Well there is no such defined rituals in a Hindu wedding it depends on different cultures and their lifestyle. In brief there are some common rituals in a Hindu wedding and here are they.
1)THE FIRST INVITATION:-
On cards the wedding may end in 5-6 days but in reality the rituals have started months ago. The holy invitation is given to the head god and goddess with some Puja and good food as well as the ancestors are also welcomed to give blessings on the auspicious day.
Traditionally, Singing folk songs and applying ubtan to the bride and groom’s starts from there itself. It is being said that singing those folk songs are holy and brings good luck to the couple.
2) HALDI:-
Do we know turmeric is rich in antioxidants property and was a important medicine and a beauty product in older times When we say these rituals worthless on the same time science has accepted these practices scientific and justiciable. Haldi is rich in antiseptic properties and is known for its purifying nature .
The paste of haldi mixed with the goodness of sandalwood, rose water, milk and other natural ingredients not just give the wedding glow but also justifies it’s purifying property by acting as a exploits and antiseptic.
3) MEHNDI
Do we know mehndi was used as an secret communication in ancient times. But why to apply mehndi ?
Well mehndi was used to cure dysentery in older times. Bride with mehndi handed is said to bring fortune. In fact mehndi acts as cooling agent and cools down the nerved and obviously serves to reduce the stress. Behind all these scientific reasons traditionally, the dark color of signifies the deep love of husband and wife. It is believed that it’s connected with the cycle of 7 births in total
4) SANGEET:-
It is generally a desi get together where family, friends and relatives come together and dances to the fullest. It does not have any traditional importance, still with the changing trend Sangeet Is one of the most important function of the wedding. Can we imagine weddings without loud music? Absolutely not!
It just a way to welcome happiness in groom’s house and send luck and happiness in brides life.
5) THE AUSPICIOUS DAY:-
Till a particular age we think about ourselves or more than that our parents or friends. But their comes a turning chapter in our life where our each step has a rational brief thinking about our that someone special. Where everyone’s carefree nature turns out to be that extra caring one!
The wedding or the big day itself is a mixture of different rituals according to different traditions. Nevertheless, the Hindu wedding ceremony at its core is essentially a Vedic yajna ritual and three key rituals are almost universal, Kanyadan, Panigrahana, and Saptapadi—which are respectively, giving away of his daughter by the father, voluntarily holding hands near the fire to signify union, and taking seven ‘steps before fire’. (Each ‘step’ is a complete circuit of the fire.)At each step, promises are made by each to the other. The primary witness of a Hindu marriage is the fire-deity (or the Sacred Fire) Agni, in the presence of family and friends .The ceremony is traditionally conducted entirely or at least partially in Sanskrit, considered by Hindus as the language of holy ceremonies. The local language of the bride and groom may also be used. The rituals are prescribed in the Gruhya sutra composed by various rishis such as Baudhayana and Ashvalayana.