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Destination - Rajput Rituals

Marriages Rituals:

Ganapati Sthapna and Griha Shanti Ceremony: Rajputs do not have any ring pre-wedding ring ceremonies. Ganapati sthapana and griha shanti is the second most important ceremony performed usually a few days prior to the wedding. A havan is performed by the groom or bride’s parents to propitiate the gods and an idol of Lord Ganapati is installed. All ceremonies commence only after the sthapana (installation).

Janev Ceremony

The janev ceremony, where the sacred thread is given to the would be groom on the eve of his becoming the house-holder, is interesting. The janev is given only to men. The groom has to be dressed in saffron robes like an ascetic and perform a havan before wearing the thread.

The significance of saffron robes is that the groom now has two choices before him; either he renounces the world and becomes an ascetic, or he accepts the institution of marriage and its responsibilities. After the havan is completed and the thread given, the groom has to make a mock attempt to run from the chains of marriage while the maternal uncle must catch him and convince his nephew into accepting marriage.

Mehfils

Mehfils are an integral part of every Rajasthani wedding. Usually held in the evenings, they are again segregated into separate gender based groups. At the ladies’ mehfil, all the womenfolk gather at a central place in an enclosed courtyard or hall. Dressed in dazzling dresses, they perform the ghoomar (a special dance done in a group). The bride at the mehfil is given an important position to sit and watch the proceedings.

Mahira Dastoor

The mahira dastoor is yet another important ceremony, common to both the bride and the groom’s families. This ceremony is performed by the maternal uncle of the groom/bride, who, along with his wife and family, arrives with much fanfare, and is received by the bride/groom’s mother with the traditional welcome.

The uncle then gives clothes, jewellery, sweets etc., to the entire family. The ceremony signifies that since at the time of a wedding there is considerable expenditure, it is the duty of the brother to help his sister at her child’s wedding.

Actual Wedding Ceremony:

The groom is taken inside to the ladies section where he is received by the Bride’s mother with the traditional aarti, and then taken to the mandap for the wedding ceremony. The bridegroom is accompanies at this stage by only one married make relative and maybe his younger brother or a younger male cousin. The wedding ceremony is similar to a Hindu wedding. However, the bride must at all times through the wedding ceremony keep her face covered by a long veil.

Grihapravesh

Once the baraat returns with the newly weds, the grihapravesh takes place. The bride still wears the veil while the puja and other ceremonies take place. A few games are played between the bride and the groom. They are also common to other Hindu weddings.

Pagelagni

The day following the grihapravesh, the pagelagni takes place. This is a ceremony where the bride, still in veil, is formally introduced to all the family members of the groom who bless her and give her gifts. The veil is then finally removed.

Palla Dastoor

On the day of the actual wedding, or maybe a day prior to it, the palla dastoor is brought in by a few of the groom’s relatives, accompanied by family retainers, to the bride’s house. The palla dastoor consists of clothes, jewellery and gifts from the groom, which the bride has to wear during the wedding ceremony. This particular custom is typical to the Rajputs. The traditional Rajasthani poshak or wedding dress is usually red in colour, but it could also be orange, gold yellow, or pink.

Pithi Dastoor Ceremony

The pithi dastoor is one of the first important ceremonies, which involves the bride/groom and continues until the day of the wedding. The actual ceremony consists of application of turmeric and sandal wood paste to the bride/ groom who cannot leave the house once the pithi starts. The pithi dastoor at the bride’s house is an elaborate affair. Dholans (women singers with dholak) sing auspicious prewedding songs while the ceremony is in progress.

The Rajput Baraat

A Rajput baraat consists entirely of male members. The bridegroom is usually dressed in a gold achkan, with an orange turban and a churidar or jodhpurs with jootis. On the turban he wears a serpech a piece of jewellery specially meant for the urban. Around the neck he wears a necklace and around the waist he ties a cummerband. Of course, variations in styles and colours prevail.

The Official (Engagement) Ceremony

The official (engagement) ceremony takes place at the home of the groom. Only the bride’s father, brother and other close relatives attend this ceremony. This is a strictly all male affair. No ladies, not even the bride, accompany the menfolk for the tika. The ceremony is so called because the bride’s brother actually applies a tilak to the groom’s forehead and makes the alliance or engagement official. A sword, other presents, clothes, fruits, sweets etc., are given to the groom.

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Destination - Rajput Rituals

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