Bengali Wedding - A Symbol Of Simplicity

By Author: Ankush Singhal
Total Articles: 173
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The sounds of conch shells, the resonance of ululation and the playing of soothing music in the background characterize any typical Hindu Bengali marriage. Bengali matrimony, like any other Indian Hindu wedding is conducted over a span of several days with family and friends enjoying the celebrations. The Bengali bride and the groom perform rituals guided by the priests and the elders. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the gala events and enjoy the fun and serious rituals.

The Bengali community is known for their strong cultural and artistic background and this is reflected in the rituals and events that take place in any Hindu Bengali marriage. Right from the bride’s attire to the food, every aspect of the wedding shows a significant influence of art and culture. The resplendent Bengali bride decked with gold jewelry epitomizes grace and elegance. The sandalwood patterns on her forehead and the ‘alta’ painted hands presents a unique picture typical of Bengalis.

Most of the wedding rituals centers on the bride like ‘Ai ...
... Burro Bhat’, ‘Gaye Hulod’, and the distinctive ‘Shanka Porana’. These are the pre-wedding rituals and take place during the daytime at the bride’s place in presence of relatives and close friends. ‘ Ai Burro Bhat’ means the last meal of the girl before marriage. The concept of this ritual is very significant as it shows the importance of the girl in the family. Bengali food is cooked and served to her and she is fed by her parents for the last time as an unmarried girl. Other family members also enjoy this custom and feed the Bengali bride with mouthful of food. This is a fun ritual and at the same time a very emotional moment for the parents and the bride.

The night of the matrimony is an event of splendid celebrations with some of the unique rituals taking place unique to the Bengali culture. The arrival of the groom, dressed in silk attire and wearing the ‘shola topor’(handmade headgear) marks a new journey. The welcome ritual,’ Baran Dala’, is performed by the bride’s mother. ‘Shubho Dristi and Mala Badal’, rituals in which the bride and the groom come face to face and exchange garlands respectively follow this. More rituals are followed in the presence of the father of the bride and the priest chanting Vedic recitations. Another Bengali wedding ritual of ‘sindur daan’ is very symbolic. The smearing of vermillion by the groom in the hair parting of the bride signifies the sacred union of the bride and the groom.

Hospitable and caring attitude are shown to all the guest s attending the ceremony. No Bengali marriage is complete without treating the guests with a variety of Bengali food. Bengalis are known for their mouth-watering food, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. A variety of fish and meat items are served along with vegetarian delicacies. Some wedding parties also serve fusion cuisine which is a favorite of the younger generation.

The post-wedding rituals are more fun and light-hearted where the bride and the groom are made to play games thus bringing them closer. Bidaai or leaving the parents house is an emotional moment for the bride as well as family and friends. Some more rituals are performed when the bride reaches the groom’s house welcoming the bride and groom.

Simplicity and elegance sums up any Bengali marriage. The customs and traditions are still strongly followed with liberal ideas thrown with the passage of time. Grand celebrations or budget ceremony, all Bengali wedding represent their culture and simplicity of the people of Bengal.

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