Things to know about 96 kuli maratha marriage rituals.docx

1. Things to know about 96 kuli maratha marriage rituals Maratha culture is rich in traditions and customs, and their marriage rituals are no exception. The 96 Kuli Maratha community, also known as Chitpavan Brahmins, have a unique set of customs and traditions that are followed during a wedding. If you're a part of this community or are interested in learning more about Maratha weddings, here are a few things you need to know. Pre-Wedding Rituals The pre-wedding rituals of a 96 Kuli Maratha wedding begin with the engagement ceremony. During this ceremony, the families of the bride and groom come together to exchange rings and formally announce the wedding plans. The engagement ceremony is followed by the 'Ganesh Sthapana' ceremony, in which the families invite Lord Ganesha to bless the union. The Haldi Ceremony The Haldi ceremony is one of the most important pre-wedding rituals in Maratha weddings. During this ceremony, turmeric paste is applied to the bride and groom to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. The ceremony is typically held at the bride and groom's respective homes, and it is a joyous occasion filled with music, dance, and food. The Mehndi Ceremony The Mehndi ceremony is another important pre-wedding ritual in Maratha weddings. During this ceremony, intricate henna designs are applied to the bride's hands and feet. The Mehndi ceremony is a joyous occasion filled with music and dance, and it is typically held at the bride's home. The Sangeet Ceremony The Sangeet ceremony is a musical celebration that takes place a few days before the wedding. During this ceremony, the families of the bride and groom come together to sing and dance to traditional Marathi songs. The Sangeet ceremony is a time for the families to bond and get to know each other better. Wedding Day Rituals On the day of the wedding, the groom and his family arrive at the bride's home in a grand procession, accompanied by music and dance. This is known as the Baraat. The groom is then greeted by the bride's family, and the wedding ceremony begins with the Jaimala ceremony, in which the bride and groom exchange flower garlands. The Kanyadaan Ceremony The Kanyadaan ceremony is an important ritual in Maratha weddings, during which the father of the bride gives his daughter's hand in marriage to the groom. This ceremony symbolizes the transfer of responsibility for the bride from her father to her husband.

2. The Saat Phere Ceremony The Saat Phere ceremony is a series of seven vows that the bride and groom take together. During this ceremony, the bride and groom take seven vows, each symbolising a different aspect of their relationship, such as love, respect, and commitment. The Sindoor and Mangalsutra Ceremony The Sindoor and Mangalsutra ceremony is the final ceremony of a Maratha wedding. During this ceremony, the groom applies sindoor (vermilion powder) on the bride's forehead and ties a mangal sutra (sacred necklace) around her neck. This ceremony symbolizes the bride's status as a married woman and her commitment to her husband. The Reception After the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom host a reception for their friends and family. The reception is a time for the couple to celebrate their union and for the families to come together and enjoy a meal and dance. In conclusion, Maratha weddings are rich in customs and traditions, and the 96 Kuli Maratha community is no exception. From pre-wedding rituals like the Haldi and Mehndi ceremonies to the wedding day rituals like the Jaimala, Kanyadaan, and Saat Phere ceremonies, each step is filled with meaning and significance. The Sindoor and Mangalsutra ceremony marks the final step in the wedding and symbolizes the commitment and bond between the bride and groom. The wedding day is then celebrated with a grand reception filled with music, dance, and food, bringing families and friends together to share in the joyous occasion.