Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Wavering Customs and Rituals in Bengali Wedding


A comparatively simple affair, young Bengalis are adopting customs of other Indian communities in their own way. The blog post takes a quick look at the same.

Wedding rituals among Bengalis are myriad that can span for a couple of days. Though Muslims and Hindus have their own distinct rituals, there are various rituals that can be found among both the religious communities that can be seen across borders as well.

A traditional Bengali wedding is usually arranged by matchmakers known as Ghotoks who happen to be friends, relatives or even acquaintances who help settling the agreement. Divide into three parts a Bengali wedding ritual usually comprise gaye holud,the wedding ceremony and the reception. It can be said that, Bengali Hindu Wedding is comparatively a simple affair.

However, with the passage of time and in the era of ‘globalization’, interchange of culture and customs are taking place in even in a societal institution like marriage. Bengalis have pretty well incorporated various changes in the customs. Let us take a quick look at the same.

Mehndihas been extensively used in North Indian weddings. However, this has now being incorporated among Bengalis as well. The present generation Bengali youth getting married have developed a strong fascination for Mehndi and young brides as well bridesmaid are often found adorning their hands with Mehndi in a homely function.

Gradually, even the custom of Sangeet is being adopted by young Bengalis who want to add some amount of fun quotient. In these customs, usually the younger generations are seen to be participating actively where they like to enjoy themselves.

The western concept of exchanging rings has long been adopted by Indians and Bengalis are no exception to the rule. These days during the ritual of Ashirvaad, the bride and the groom also exchange rings as a sign of vow which was earlier dominated by other forms of jewelry like a pair of Bangles that has been passed onto the family from earlier generations.

An elegant affair, the new adopted customs along with the existing ones makes a modern day Bengali wedding a gala affair.

Author:
Sampurna Majumder