Sacred, playful, and surprising: Indian wedding rituals you should know

India is a land where marriages are celebrated with the grandeur of a festival. In this diverse country—a true melting pot of cultures—wedding rituals go far beyond pomp and food. Each custom carries meaning, history, and symbolism that reflect the values of the community. Some traditions may surprise you, while others may prompt you to pause and reflect; together, they reveal that an Indian wedding is not just a feast for the senses, but a celebration of heritage, identity, and life itself.

Maharashtra

In Maharashtrian weddings, the bride and groom sit facing each other, adorned with mundavlya—a string of pearls tied across the forehead with a gold chain. Between them stands the antarpat, a long silk or cotton fabric. It is held by the bride’s maternal uncle on one side and the groom’s paternal uncle on the other, ensuring the couple cannot see each other. The antarpat is removed once the priest completes the sankalp, marking the start of the ceremony.

Manipur

The Nga-thaba ritual in Manipuri weddings symbolises adaptability and resilience in married life. It begins with Ngamufish—chosen for their ability to thrive in any condition—kept in the room where the Meitei deity is worshipped in the bride’s household. The most active and strong fish are then released into a pond situated to the north of the wedding venue. This ritual represents the couple’s journey of navigating challenges and harmony after marriage.

Bihar

In Bihari weddings, the mother-in-law gifts earthen pots to the bride after the ceremony. As the bride bows to seek blessings, she balances these pots on her head. This act symbolises her ability to maintain balance and gracefully manage her new household responsibilities.

Punjab

The kaleera ceremony follows the chooda ceremony. While kaleeras are a popular bridal ornament, they also symbolise conjugal well-being and fertility. In a playful tradition, the bride shakes her kaleeras over the heads of unmarried girls. If a kaleera falls on someone, it is considered a blessing, signifying that she may be the next to get married.

Bengal

In Bengali weddings, the mothers of the bride and groom are traditionally not allowed to witness the wedding rituals. Their deep emotional attachment is believed to be inauspicious, as it may unintentionally cast the evil eye upon the couple.

Gujarat

The Ponkhvu ritual is a light-hearted custom performed when the groom arrives at the wedding venue. After the aarti and tilak, the bride’s mother playfully pinches his nose. This act is done with affection, symbolising warmth, love, and respect between the two families.

South India

A playful ritual often seen in parts of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu involves the groom pretending to renounce worldly life and leave for Kashi as an ascetic. The bride’s father then persuades him to return and marry his daughter. This light-hearted tradition adds humour to the solemn ceremony while highlighting the importance of family bonds.

Lead image: Pexels

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