Marriage Rituals in the Sub-Continent

Marriage is a bond that maintains the continuity of human race. Human race continued millions of years ago and left its imprints on the pages of history. All the hustle and bustle of this world owes a great deal to this institution. Marriage is followed by many interesting and meaningful rites and rituals all over the world.

In the sub-continent, these are not only glamorous but have a special message and are greatly cherished by the people. The happiness relating to these rituals penetrate deep into the hearts enlightening a new ray of hope. Since centuries, these customs have been on the verge of evolution and change. These are not in the same form as they were a couple of centuries ago. A marriage in the sub-continent completes in about four to five days but today the ceremonial hours can be counted on fingers.

Engagement is a preface to context of marriage rites. Parents are responsible for arranging most of the marriages for their children in the sub-continent. When the parents are satisfied to their choice along with their kith and kin, they arrange a ceremony for engagement. Muslims and Hindus name it ‘Mangani’ while it is called ‘Karmai’ for Sikhs. Engagement rings are usually exchanged besides the clothes. In fact, it is a proclamation by the parents that engaged boy and girl will be the bride and groom in the near future. In the past, it was strictly prohibited for the betrothed couple to see each other before marriage. Now the time is changing in the sub-continent as well like in the other parts of the world. They can send text messages now; even get some chance for short meetings. The two individuals try to understand each other before marriage. The exchange of gifts on important occasions and festivals also arise the passion of love for future life partners.

Next one is also an important ritual a day before marriage, I should rather say, the night before marriage. At this occasion, a great festivity and fun is seen. The groups of young girls and old women sing marriage songs. These songs mentally prepare the girl to leave her parents’ home. These songs also make her realize her future responsibilities. Quite often, they have concealed themes of bitter realities of life, as well as unseen pleasure from her husband and her new family members. The participation of close friends and relatives show their integrity with the couple who is going to get married. It also reflects that they will stand by the newlywed couple through thick and thin.

Departure of ‘Barat’ from groom’s house is also a loving and touching scene. Groom’s sister in-Laws apply ‘Surma’ in his eyes. This is an indirect message to meet the new challenges. The groom is ready to leave after receiving ‘Salami’, which is a gift from close family members in the form of money and gifts. At that moment, he steps out, eats sweet rice with his brothers in one plate. Perhaps it is a silent and firm resolve to share sorrows and happiness of life in future.

The reception of ‘Barat’ at the girl’s house is also a great pump and show .The young women throw flower petals on ‘Barat’ participants. At this important and memorable occasion, young people express their pleasure with dance and music. The warm welcome of ‘Barat’ reflects their love and honor for the groom and his family. The ‘Nikah’ unites the couple for life. A great meal is served later, which is great hospitality of bride's parents towards groom.

‘Rukhsati’, the departure of the bride with the groom, is also a heart touching scene. Bride's family and close relatives see her off. It is a very sentimental scene. Bride comes out of her father's home for good. Now her in-Laws’ house is her permanent home for future life. The bride herself has a vow of departing her parents in one eye and light of hope and happiness in other. She is depressed as well as delighted.

The display of dowry is a tradition full of pump and show. The marriage gifts from groom's family are displayed for everyone to see. Often the events are recorded through movie cameras and are preserved for life.

On the next day of the marriage, groom’s family arranges a feast for all the close relatives and friends. The people from bride’s family also participate as special guests. Such treatment does nothing but makes the bond  of the two families stronger.  The younger brother of groom receives money from the bride; it shows that bride has accepted groom's family as her own. It is a pledge that bride is on the same page with her in-laws.

The modern and so-called educational minds think that all these traditions and customs are mere waste of time and money. They are not ready to give weight and worth to them. They are not right in their thinking. These traditions are like flowers and ornaments of the marriage ceremony. All these little events are a sign of love and sincerity. They all demand nothing but integrity and pleasure and convey a message of uniformity and mutual understanding to the society. These are warm tributes and welcome the newlywed couple in society with positive attitude. This is in fact the easy way to put heavy responsibilities of life on their shoulders with love and care.