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India is a remarkably varied nation with a rich culture and long-standing traditions. And that is the charm of every state and tradition. Maharashtrian marriages are characterised by straightforward yet elegant traditional procedures and customs. Perhaps not much taam-jhaam is present at Maharashtrian weddings. However, they are combined with the appropriate customs that evoke feelings and bring the entire family closer together. It is crucial to understand the ceremonies and their meaning because many people from various cultures are tying knots or trying out new traditions. Let us walk you through the procedures and traditions of Maharashtrian weddings so you can comprehend the significance of each ceremony.

 

Here is a complete list of customs, ceremonies and traditions of Maharashtrian weddings.

 

Pre-wedding Rituals

The pre-wedding customs that are a part of traditional Marathi weddings are listed below.

 

1. Lagnaach Bedior

Horoscopes or the patrikas of the bride and groom are often matched in North Indian traditions or other customs as well. Similar to this, horoscope matching is important in Maharashtrian weddings. When parents planned weddings, it was more common in the past. There are still some families who adhere to this practice, and they choose to set the auspicious day and time for the Maharashtrian wedding by comparing their horoscopes.

 

2. SakharPuda

During a Marathi or Maharashtrian wedding, this is the official ceremony where Sakhar or sweets are held or where the Roka ceremony is performed. The mother of the bridegroom blesses and dedicates the bride's head with her saree, jewellery, and SakharPuda, or sweets with Haldi-Kumkum.

 

3. Muhurat Karane

Following the engagement ceremony, both families are in the midst of intense celebrations. The mother's bride invites five married women to an auspicious day or celebration when the day and time of the vidhi are set. The married women prepare Sandege and turmeric powder. As part of the customs traditions of Maharashtrian weddings, they also roll papads. The bride's family then starts the shopping extravaganza. A Rukhvat ritual, which also has an important place in Marathi weddings, is also hosted by the bride's family. The bridal trousseau, bridal lehenga, jewellery, and other goods are displayed for sight in accordance with this tradition.

4. Wedding Invitation 

The relatives can start sending cards after the Rukvat and other ceremonies have been held. The first wedding invitation card is given to lord Ganesha. In most traditional Marathi weddings, the Lord or Kuldevta is typically represented by the first card.

 

5. The Kelvan Ritual 

One of the important wedding rituals performed in Marathi marriages is the kelvan ceremony. The parents of the soon-to-be bride and the groom invite each other's families to lunch during this ceremony, and gifts are offered as tokens of love and blessings.

 

6.  HaladChadavane

The Haldi ritual is known as HaladChadavane in Maharashtra. In this Maharashtrian wedding tradition, the bride and husband get Haldi or turmeric paste applied to their bodies. An Indian ritual known as applying Haldi is said to have healing properties and also make the skin glow.

 

The Wedding Rituals

There are numerous pujas and vows included in the Maharashtrian wedding customs and traditions. Even some of the rituals and traditions are reminiscent of those in South India. Here is a comprehensive guide on wedding day customs.

 

1.  Ganpati Puja, Devdevak, Gurihar Puja

The couple and their family practise Ganpati Puja, or a ritual, for luck. The priest invokes the Hindu elephant god Lord Ganesh, who breaks down obstacles and bestows luck on the bride and husband. The bride then performs the Gurihar Puja to start the celebration. The bride also has a Mundavalya (pearl string) around her brow and something yellow on her person. After that, she worships Goddess Parvati to obtain her blessings for a blissful marriage.

 

2. Seemapujan

Another ritual of the Maharashtrian wedding starts when the groom shows up at the wedding location. The mother's bride greets the husband with gifts and treats after washing his feet. Additionally, she daubs Tilak on his forehead.

 

3.  Antarpat

A silk shawl is placed between the bride and the groom during this Maharashtrian wedding tradition as a priest performs a number of mantras. It also represents their separate lives before marriage.

 

4.  Sankalp

The Antarpat is taken off when the mantras are finished, allowing the couple to view one another. Additionally, this is the time when they trade jaimalas. At traditional Marathi weddings, during this auspicious occasion, guests and family members give the couple rice grains.

 

5. Kanyadaan 

A rite called kanyadaan is prevalent in many other traditions. In this traditio, the groom receives the bride's hand from her father and swears to keep her happy for the rest of his life. The bride is then wrapped in a mangalsutra by the husband. At this ritual of the Maharashtrian wedding, the bride also dabbed Chandan teeka on the groom's forehead.

 

6. Saptapadi

 Following this ritual of the Maharashtrian wedding, the couple performs seven rounds of wedding vows around the fire. The bride even has to touch seven betel nuts and seven grains of rice with her feet after finishing each round.

 

7. Karma Samapti

The pair also practises Laxmi Pujan to win the god's favour. After these rituals, the groom's ear is playfully twisted by the bride's brother to warn him to be cautious around the bride.

 

Post-Wedding Rituals

The Maharashtrian post-wedding ceremonies are listed below.

 

1. Varat 

Varat ceremony, which is akin to the Bidaai ceremony and signifies the bride's farewell, Tradition dictates that the groom also carries a Parvati statue from the Gaurihar Puja.

2. Grihapravesh

The bride walks inside her new house. With milk and water, the bride's mother washes the bridegroom's feet. The bride also uses her right foot to kick the rice Kalash.

3. Reception 

The post-wedding party known as reception is where the newlyweds arrive and ask for the family's blessing. The bride receives clothing and jewellery from the groom's family, while the groom receives clothing from her family.

 

These are a few of the Maharashtrian wedding customs and traditions. If you are getting married in Marathi, you should be aware of these customs and rituals.

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