Indian culture comprises different religions and cultures, which impart colours and flavours to the livelihood of the people residing here. India is a land of cultures and religions, and every culture and community has its own practices and accomplishments of its rituals. The only difference being the regional touch that can be seen in the practices. Indians are popular for their cultural beliefs and religious practices that they perform to keep the name of their family alive in the community. Indians are very considerate when it comes to their religious beliefs and practices. Indian weddings are the best example that can reflect the religious and cultural aspects of a particular community. A close watch is kept on each ritual, and all the respect and integrity is maintained towards their respective religion, particularly in Brahmin matrimony.
Wedding in Brahmins include various practices as part of celebration. Brahmins are considered very strict about their customs and traditions, hence it is apprehended that the Brahmin Matrimony are in the purest form. Wedding customs among Hindus are similar and are conducted in the same manner. Brahmins are regarded as the priests according to Hindu caste system, and are given the highest status among others.
A number of rituals are performed at the homes of the bride and groom, which involve the participation of the entire family and friends, who gather to bless the couple. Pre-wedding rituals at the groom’s house include tying thread to the groom, marking his manhood. Some of the customs in Brahmin matrimony that are performed at bride’s home include mehendi, Haldi, gift taking ceremonies, etc. During the auspicious Haldi ceremony, turmeric paste including sandalwood and other aromatic oils is applied on the body of both bride and groom to make them glow. Hands and feet of the bride are decorated with beautiful and intricate designs of mehendi.
The groom goes to the house of the bride on the wedding day, sitting on a horse. However, this trend in Brahmin matrimonial is changed and people prefer to go via decorated cars. The family of the bride welcomes the groom, where bride’s mother does Aarti of the groom. Every region has different beliefs, so the wedding rituals depend on the region people belong to.
Couple exchanges garlands and are blessed by the family and friends. The most sacred element in Brahmin matrimony is fire. The couple takes seven circles or saat phere, and vows around the sacred fire, symbolizing the life-long tie between the bride and groom. The groom puts vermilion in the hair partition of the bride, and the bride is decorated with the jewellery and clothes gifted by her in-laws. Bride’s father gives away his daughter’s hand to the groom (Kanyadaan), and the bride becomes a part of the groom’s family.
With the changing trends, young Brahmins are moving across the limits of same caste wedding and are welcoming inter caste marriages. Earlier, they were not allowed to pick their own life partners, but nowadays, parents have become broad minded and are open to the happiness of their children. Wedding through online portals is also popular, where the wedding sites act as matchmakers and help in searching the suitable life partner according to the specified preferences. The websites also help in matching the horoscopes as per the beliefs of the communities. The Brahmin matrimonial sites also fix the meetings between the prospective brides and grooms, while maintaining the personal confidentiality of the individuals. It is always beneficial to understand each other, and get mentally prepared for any kind of alliance.
matrimony
The Rich Cultural Heritage of Brahmin Matrimony
