India is a land of various types of cultures and traditions in it, experiences a wide range of rituals followed by every religion in their weddings. Talking about Maharashtrian marriage, it is a simple occasion with lots of ritual ceremonies. Maharashtrian Wedding is not about a lot of taam-jhaam but more of love and finding joy in little things. Let’s have a quick view of the rituals followed by them:

Pre-Wedding Rituals

Sakhar Puda

An engagement ceremony where the bride and groom exchange rings. The groom’s family gifts a saree and sweets (sakhar) to the bride as a sign of acceptance.

Kelvan Ritual

A ritual where both the families gathers at a place and worships their kuldevta. The family performs the prayer, which is followed by lunch.

Halad Chadavane

This is the Maharashtrian version of Haldi ceremony which is performed at both the bride’s and groom’s place. According to the ritual, mango leaves are dipped in turmeric paste which is applied to the body. This is a small ceremony where only close ones are invited.

Know More: A Complete Guide of a Sikh Wedding

Wedding Rituals

Seemant pooja

This ritual is performed by the mother of the bride when the groom and his family enter the wedding venue. Bride’s mother washes the groom’s feet, and gifts are exchanged between the families.

Gaurihar pooja

A ritual where the bride worships goddess Parvati. She needs to wear a yellow saree and a string of pearls or flowers which is traditionally called mundavalya across her forehead. The bride does this pooja with her parents.

Antarpat ritual

A Maharashtrian ritual where a silk shawl is placed between the bride and groom so that they cannot see each other. They can see each other once the priest completes his mantras.

Sankalp ritual

Once the priest is done with the mantras, the shawl is removed. The bride and groom can finally see each other, and the guests shower the couple with rice grains while they exchange garlands.

Kanyadan ritual

A ritual where the father gives his daughter’s hand to the groom. This ritual is considered to be the most emotional for a father. After this ritual, the groom ties mangalsutra around the bride’s neck and applies sindoor. The bride applies Chandan ka teeka on the groom’s forehead.

Saptapadi ritual

The wedding couple takes seven rounds in around the holy fire according to the tradition. The bride is supposed to touch the seven soparis, each after the completion of one round. The bride and groom hold hand throughout and promises to support each other in every situation.

Karmasampati Ritual

In this Maharashtrian ritual, the couple and their parents pray to god for their well-being. Bride’s brother playfully twists the groom’s ear warning him to be careful with his sister. After all these wedding rituals, a grand lunch awaits for the couple.

See More: All About Rajasthani Wedding Rituals 

Post-Wedding Rituals

Varat

The Maharashtrian version of the bidaai ceremony where the bride bids goodbye to her family and is now considered as the part of the groom’s family.

Grihapravesh

Before entering the house, the groom’s mother welcomes the couple by doing pooja and washes their feet with milk and water. The bride gently kicks the Kalash placed at the entrance, hoping for the prosperity of her new family and enters the house with their right foot first.

Reception

This is the party time after such a long wedding. A long list of guests are called, and a venue is booked. Everyone gathers and celebrates the love of the newlyweds.

So, this is all about the function and rituals to attend a Marathi Wedding.

Image Source: 7 Iris Studio, Soul Touch Photography, Ishan Wadke Photography, Nitin Arora Photography