Maharashtrian Wedding Traditions

Pre-Wedding Rituals:

• Sakhar Puda: Sakhar Puda is an engagement ceremony where the bride and groom exchange sugar packets as a symbol of their mutual acceptance and commitment. It is an auspicious occasion where both families come together to bless the couple.
• Kelvan: Kelvan is a pre-wedding ritual where the bride and groom have a ceremonial meal with their respective families. It is an opportunity for both families to formally interact and bless the couple.

• Haldi Ceremony: The Haldi ceremony involves applying turmeric paste on the bride and groom's body as a beautification and purification ritual. It is believed to bring a natural glow to their skin and ward off evil spirits.

Wedding Rituals:

• Ganpati Puja: The wedding festivities begin with a Ganpati Puja, where Lord Ganesha is worshipped to seek his blessings for a successful and auspicious wedding ceremony.
• Antarpat: The Antarpat is a curtain held between the bride and groom during the wedding ceremony. It is lowered at the appropriate moment to allow the couple to see each other for the first time during the wedding rituals.
• Saptapadi: The Saptapadi is the most significant ritual of a Maharashtrian wedding. It involves the couple taking seven symbolic steps around the sacred fire (agni). With each step, they make promises and vows to each other, pledging to support, love, and care for one another.
• Mangalsutra and Sindhur: The groom ties a sacred thread (Mangalsutra) around the bride's neck, symbolizing their marital bond. He also applies vermillion (Sindhur) on the bride's forehead, signifying her married status.
• Kanyadaan: Kanyadaan is the ritual where the bride's parents officially give away their daughter to the groom. It symbolizes the trust and responsibility they place on the groom to take care of their daughter.
• Laava: In the Laava ritual, the couple takes four rounds around the sacred fire while reciting verses from the sacred scriptures. Each round represents a specific aspect of their relationship: Dharma (righteousness), Artha (prosperity), Kama (desires), and Moksha (spiritual liberation).
• Varat: Varat is the ceremonial departure of the bride and groom from the wedding venue. The groom's family welcomes the bride into their home with joy and enthusiasm.

Post-Wedding Rituals:

• Grihapravesh: Grihapravesh is the bride's formal entry into her new home. She is welcomed by the groom's family, and various rituals are performed to bless her and ensure a harmonious married life.
• Aeki Beki: Aeki Beki is a playful game where the newlywed couple plays with a tray of rice and coins. It is believed to determine who will have the upper hand in the household and manage finances.
• Reception: A reception is usually held after the wedding, where the couple is introduced to extended family members, friends, and the community. It is an opportunity for everyone to celebrate the union and bless the couple.
• Mooh Dikhai: Mooh Dikhai is a fun-filled ritual where the groom's family presents gifts to the bride and gives her a chance to meet and interact with relatives. It is a joyous occasion that brings laughter and cheer to the newly married couple.