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Haldi
Deeply rooted in tradition, this ceremony follows after the Cheka ceremony or engagement. The Haldi ceremony has become a staple for modern brides and grooms. It is celebrated with as much enthusiasm as the wedding day ceremonies. Traditionally, the Haldi ceremony was performed only two days before the wedding as the couple was not allowed to step out of their homes after this ceremony until their wedding day. Earlier, it was held in their residences, but nowadays, the Haldi ceremony is also celebrated with great aplomb in hotels and resorts. Traditional or contemporary creative themes with music, dance, and interactive games have entered the Haldi celebrations, making them more visually appealing, fun-filled, and memorable. The Haldi ceremony or Haldi rasam (ritual) in Bihar and Jharkhand is done for the bride and groom as they believe it prevents evil spirits from harming the couple, lessens anxiety, brings good fortune and prosperity, and adds a beautiful glow to the skin. This haldi-applying ritual generally takes place separately at the bride's and groom's homes. The first step in the Haldi ceremony is preparing the bright yellow haldi (turmeric) paste. Haldi for the bride usually comes from the groom’s house, and haldi for the groom comes from the bride's house. All the married women on the groom’s side, along with his mother, make a paste of freshly ground haldi or turmeric. Similarly, all married women from the bride’s side gather together to make the haldi paste for the groom. This haldi paste contains freshly ground organic turmeric, sandalwood powder, rose water, milk, and a few drops of mustard oil. At the ceremony, this specially prepared haldi is applied first to the bride. Few older married ladies begin applying some paste on the bride’s forehead as a mark of blessings. Later, the bride’s family and friends apply haldi on the bride’s face, neck, hands, and legs. While applying haldi, women dance and sing traditional folk songs. Sometimes, Bollywood numbers, which are highly popular amongst youngsters, enliven the party.The groom’s house also has a Haldi ceremony. The groom is slathered with the haldi paste by the women in his family and friends. Though traditionally, a Haldi ceremony is done separately for the bride and groom and attended by women only, modern-day couples have this pre-wedding function together with families from both sides present – women, men, and children.
Cultural Significance
The Haldi ceremony of Bihar and Jharkhand (previously a part of the state of Bihar, now an independent state) holds deep cultural significance. For ages, the bright yellow colour of haldi has been considered highly auspicious. Haldi is used to worship Hindu Gods like Ganesha, Vishnu, and Goddess Lakshmi. In Ayurveda, haldi, known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, is used for holistic healing. According to the Vedas, the Haldi ceremony purifies the bride and groom's body, mind, and soul . Haldi also represents getting ready for new beginnings and responsibilities as husband and wife.
The Haldi ceremony continues to be an essential part of Bihar/Jharkhand weddings. Connecting the present generation with rituals and ceremonies performed by their ancestors serves to preserve their cultural heritage. Though it may vary from region to region within Bihar and Jharkhand, it will always reflects traditions and the rich identity of local culture. It is also a time for families and the community to be together to celebrate and bless the couple.
Fashioning Tradition
During the Haldi ceremony in Bihar and Jharkhand, the bride, groom, and family members dress in traditional clothes. Since the haldi paste can create quite a bright mess, the couple, family, and friends keep their attire simple and jewellery minimal.,From the bride and groom to family members and friends, the most preferred dress colour for the Haldi ceremony is yellow.
In the Haldi ceremony, the bride usually wears a simple yellow saree made of silk or cotton. Sometimes, influenced by fashion trends, she may even wear a salwar kameez or a lehenga.
The outfits worn during Haldi ceremony are in vibrant palettes of yellow, orange, pink, and green.
On the other hand, the groom is also dressed in white and yellow, as these colours are associated with purity and auspiciousness. He mostly wears a simple kurta and pyjama or kurta and dhoti. Friends, family, and guests, too, often follow the same tradition of wearing yellow clothes. From silk sarees to sherwanis, they prefer to blend in with a touch of yellow or orange.
Jewellery & Accessories
During the Haldi ceremony in Bihar and Jharkhand, the jewellery worn by the bride, groom, families, and their guests is typically traditional and simple. Just as the dress code is decided beforehand between the bride, her besties, and her family, a lot of planning goes into deciding what jewellery will look good on their Haldi outfits. New-age brides are opting for jewellery made from fresh flowers. From a floral maangtikka to floral earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, this jewellery look is making waves today.
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