Maharashtrian Weddings Are All About Simple, Fun And Traditional Blend Of Rituals

Weddings is one of the most important milestones in any person's life, and the rituals and beliefs associated with a wedding ceremony, make the new beginning a lot special. Check all about the Maharashtrian wedding rituals!

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By Namrata Arora Last Updated:

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Maharashtrian Weddings Are All About Simple, Fun And Traditional Blend Of Rituals

In India, a wedding is all about a big party, which is attended by all the long lost uncles and aunties. Indian weddings are filled with a lot of masti, food and naach-gaana. And out of all the different regional weddings in India, Maharashtrian weddings are filled with rituals that are quite simple yet vibrant. It is a union of two souls in the most simplistic way. Most of their wedding ceremonies are conducted during the day.

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The wedding ceremony begins by matching the bride and the groom’s horoscopes. If their horoscopes match perfectly, then an auspicious date is fixed for the wedding and other ceremonies. Though the specific rituals may vary according to the customs and beliefs of the people, here are some of the important rituals of a traditional Maharashtrian wedding.

The Sakhar Puda ritual

This is the first ritual of the wedding, also known as the engagement ceremony. The bride-to-be is gifted a sari and a packet of sugar or sweets, by the groom’s family. After this the couple exchange rings.

Also Read: Brides-To-Be, Don't Forget To Click These 7 Types Of Pictures With Your Darling Brother

The Kelvan ritual

Image: Navdeep Soni Photography

A prayer is performed at both, the bride and the groom’s, houses. In this, both the families offer their prayers to their kuldevta (family deity). The prayer ceremony is followed by a family lunch.

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Continue reading below

The Halad Chadavane

Image: DKreate Photography

This ceremony is conducted in most of the regional weddings in India. Turmeric paste is applied to the face, hands and feet of both the bride and the groom. This ceremony takes place a day before the wedding.

Wedding Day

The wedding day ceremonies begin with Ganapati puja, to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha before any other rituals take place. The bride’s maternal uncles escort her to the lagna mandap, where the mangalashtakas (Sanskrit and Marathi holy verses) are being recited. The bride and the groom have to wear the mundavalya on their heads, which is basically a string of flowers or pearls.

The Seemaan Puja

Image: Anshum M Photography

Seemaan puja is conducted when the groom reaches the wedding venue with a wedding procession. The bride’s parents wash his feet and shower him with gifts and blessings.

The Antarpat ritual

Image: Anshum M Photography

As the marriage rituals begin, the bride and the groom are not supposed to see each other. So, a silk shawl separation is placed between the two.

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The Sankalp ritual

Image: Anshum M Photography

After the holy verses are recited, the couple sees each other for the first time. Guests shower akshata (unbroken rice grains) on the couple. Then the couple exchange garlands.

The Kanyadan ritual

In the kanyadan ceremony, the bride’s father gives his daughter’s hand in the hands of the groom. After this, the groom ties a mangalsutra around the girl’s neck and applies sindoor (vermillion) in the centre of her hair parting. The bride then applies a sandalwood tikka on the groom’s forehead.

Also Read: 10 Fun Wedding Traditions From All Over The World That You May Want At Your Wedding

The Satapadhi ritual

Here, the couple takes seven rounds around the sacred fire, reiterating seven holy vows of matrimony. The girl also has to touch seven small heaps of rice with her right foot.

The Karmasampati ritual

The bride’s father, along with the newly married couple, prays to the Lord for his blessings. To add a dash of humour to the ceremony, sometimes the bride’s father or brother playfully twist the groom’s ear, reminding him of his responsibility towards the bride. All this is followed by a grand lunch to mark the completion of wedding ceremonies.

Also See: The Sacred Rituals Of A Traditional Bengali Wedding That Make It A Vibrant, Colourful Dream

The Varat ritual

Image: Anshum M Photography

After the wedding ceremonies are complete, the bride bids a tearful farewell to her family members.

The Grihapravesh

As the bride enters the groom’s house for the first time, her mother-in-law welcomes her by doing an aarti. She also washes the couple’s feet with water and milk. The bride gently kicks a kalash of rice placed at the door of the house and the couple enters the house by placing their right foot first.

The Reception

After the bride enters her new house, a wedding reception is often held by the groom’s side, as a mark of welcoming the new family member.

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So here were all the traditions and rituals that make a Maharashtrian wedding a very pretty and heart-warming affair. Do you know of any other rituals that we missed out on? Do let us know in the comments section below.

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