Maharashtrian Weddings – beautiful in their simplicity. Maharashtrian weddings are among the simplest of most Hindu weddings, and the emphasis is on age-old traditions and rites, rather than on opulence and a show of wealth. From the richest to the poorest, their weddings will be conducted with grace and style. Similar to Gujarati weddings there are many pre-wedding and post-wedding rituals, but most of them have been shortened due to lack of time and money.
Maharashtrian Wedding Ceremonies and Rituals:
The Sakharpuda or the engagement ceremony is held at the Bride’s home. She is presented with a cone-shaped decorative parcel, containing the Puda, and a saree and decorative green bangles. Haldi-kunku is applied on her by the women of her groom’s family. The same ritual is also performed on the groom by her family members.
A day before the Maharashtrian Wedding the purification ceremony known as the Halad Chadawat is performed. The actual wedding day begins with the Ganesh Pujan, where his blessings on this union are invoked by both families. The Maharashtrian bride performs the wedding rituals dressed in a yellow saree, gifted by her maternal uncle, and on her forehead she wears the mundavalya, the traditional string of pearls, something that is also worn by the Maharashtrian groom. They sit facing each other, separated by a cloth screen. After the chanting of shlokas by the priest, this sheet is removed, garlands are exchanged, and the mangalsutra is tied around the bride’s neck by the groom. The family members shower flower petals and unbroken rice on the couple to bless them. The traditional Saptapadi or the seven steps around the fire are the culmination to the entire ceremony.
The Maharashtrian bride is among the few Hindu brides who is dressed in yellow rather than the traditional and popular yellow. She wears simple jewellery and the saree is also generally a simple traditional Maharashtrian silk. The groom also wears the traditional Maharashtrian cap.
