Marathi Wedding Planning Guide: Pre-Wedding Rituals and Traditions-

Marathi Wedding Planning Guide: Pre-Wedding Rituals and Traditions

Introduction

Are you ready to experience the vibrant and joyous celebration of a Maharashtrian wedding? They are known for their colourful and culturally rich traditions that have been passed down for generations. With its roots deep in Maharashtra's history, the Marathi wedding traditions continue to embody the essence of the region's culture and beliefs. From the elaborate pre-wedding rituals to the auspicious wedding day ceremonies and post-wedding traditions, every moment is steeped in significance and meaning.

If you don’t know what happens in a Marathi Wedding? Don’t worry! we'll take you on a journey through the beautiful and fascinating world of Marathi Pre-wedding rituals, and provide you with everything you need to know to plan your perfect wedding. Whether you're a bride or groom-to-be, or simply interested in learning about Marathi wedding rituals, this blog has everything you need to know!

Significance of Pre-Wedding Rituals 

What Pre-Wedding Rituals are for? Why are they performed? The answer is pretty straightforward.  They are performed to ensure the bride and groom's well-being and happiness before their big day. Yes, it is a very generic answer! But if you take a look at the different rituals like Haldi, and Mehendi; the simple application of turmeric and Henna are known to have a medicinal purpose; taking care of the well-being of the couple and most rituals are around the Fire which itself has cleansing properties. And most of the pre-wedding rituals also allow both the families of the bride and groom to know each other. Ok, enough of the “Gyaan”! Here are the pre-wedding rituals in a Marathi-style wedding:

Sakharpuda

Significance of the ritual? 

The bride and groom exchange rings as a symbol of their commitment to each other in this ceremony. It is an important ritual that is performed to signify the official engagement of the couple. The bride and groom's families exchange gifts and blessings. The bride is given a saree or traditional outfit along with a Sakharpuda (A package with Sugar) post which the couple seeks blessings from the elders.

Evolution of Sakharpuda 

In modern times, the Sakharpuda ceremony has evolved to become more personalized and creative. Some couples prefer to have a themed ceremony or a unique location for the event. Some couples take this as an opportunity to propose to each other. Some couples include some fun activities as well to engage and create a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Tips for planning 

One tip to plan for the Sakharpuda ceremony is to ensure that the venue, Couple Outfits, and decor match the theme and tone of the event. Also, the Sakharpuda designs have become a lot trendier and more creative these days which you can explore on My Wedding palette.

Haldi 

Significance of the ritual? 

Haldi Ceremony is a pre-wedding ritual in which turmeric paste is applied to the bride and groom's bodies. The significance of this ceremony is to purify and cleanse the body and ward off evil spirits. The important thing to remember is the leftover Haldi applied to the bride is then used to apply to the groom.

Evolution of the Haldi Ceremony 

In modern times, the ceremony has become more creative, with couples opting for unique themes, décor, and even attire. Traditionally it used to happen at the bride and groom’s respective homes individually but today they are often performed together with a lot more pomp and show.

Tips for planning 

A tip to plan for this ceremony is to have personalized Haldi paste made with organic and natural ingredients, which not only adds to the significance of the ritual but it also becomes easy to apply, adds colour to the event, and makes everyone more photography friendly. Also, you can set a theme for the Haldi function to make it more memorable and fun.

Mehendi 

Significance of the ritual? 

Mehendi Ceremony is a pre-wedding ritual in which henna is applied to the bride's hands and feet. The significance of this ceremony is to bring good luck and fortune to the couple's married life.

Evolution of Mehendi Function 

In modern times, the ceremony has become more a source of style statements for the couple, with couples opting for intricate and unique designs, and themes and even incorporating personalized messages in the henna design. Like the Haldi function, it used to happen at individual homes but again you can plan it together to have a more unified experience.

Tips for planning 

A tip to plan for this ceremony is to incorporate a DIY Mehendi station for guests to try their hand at applying henna, which not only adds to the significance of the ritual but also serves as a fun activity for guests. Also adding a Dholak wala to this event can fill the event with energy, fun, and music. Again like the Haldi function, you can set a theme-based décor to make your event more beautiful.

Devdevak Ceremony 

Significance of the Ritual? 

Devdevak is a pre-wedding ritual performed to seek blessings from the gods, deities, and couple's ancestors and seek their permission for the upcoming marriage. It starts with Ganesh Puja to take his blessings before starting the auspicious occasion. Further, it involves performing pujas and offering prayers to the ancestors.

Evolution of Devdevak 

In modern times, the ceremony is still not changed in the way it is done as it involves an elaborate puja and rituals. These types of ceremonies are the ceremonies that keep the Maharashtrian weddings attached to their roots and their traditions.

Tips for planning 

A tip to plan for this ceremony is to incorporate family heirlooms or artifacts to add to the significance of the ritual and to showcase the family's heritage and traditions.

Shrimanti Pujan 

Significance of the ritual? 

Shrimanti Pujan is a pre-wedding ritual performed to welcome the bride, groom, and their families to the wedding. It’s more of a Mel-Milaap ceremony where both family members get to know the who’s who of the couple. It involves performing some pujas and offering prayers to the ancestors and washing of bride and groom’s feet by the parents. The bride and groom are given Outfits and gifts for the wedding by their parents.

Evolution of the Shrimanti Pujan 

 In modern times, nothing has changed much. This a simple ceremony to get this going and from a practical standpoint, it is to make each side of the family less awkward and more involved in the wedding.

Tips for planning

A tip to plan for this ceremony is to avoid costly outfits for this ceremony as this is a short ceremony and can be used to manage your budget effectively.

Sangeet Ceremony

Significance of the ritual?

The Sangeet ceremony is one ceremony that was not a part of Marathi weddings traditionally. But with the change in times, the ceremony is mostly included in every Indian wedding to make the whole event fun and energized. It is a fun-filled event where everyone participates in singing and dancing. It is also an opportunity for the families to get to know each other and bond before the wedding.

Evolution of the Sangeet Ceremony 

The Sangeet ceremony has evolved with time, and today it has become more elaborate and grand. It is no longer just a simple event, but a full-fledged musical and dance extravaganza. Many families hire professional musicians and choreographers to make the event more exciting and entertaining. Additionally, some families have started incorporating modern elements such as laser shows, photo booths, and DJs to make the Sangeet ceremony more fun.

Tips for planning

Choose a fun and engaging theme for the Sangeet ceremony. It could be anything from Bollywood to Retro, depending on your preference. Have a dress code for the event that matches the theme, which adds to the overall fun and excitement. Set up a photo booth with fun props where guests can take memorable photos.

Conclusion 

And there you have it, folks! The vibrant and joyous celebration of a Maharashtrian wedding, complete with all the pre-wedding rituals you need to know about. From the Sakharpuda to the Shrimanti Pujan, these beautiful and culturally rich traditions have been passed down for generations and continue to embody the essence of Maharashtra's culture and beliefs.

But wait, this is not it! Kyunki Shaadi abhi baki hai mere dost! Let’s dive right into the auspicious and heartwarming wedding day ceremonies of a Maharashtrian wedding.