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Ganesh Sthapna
Lord Ganesh is the god of wisdom and prosperity and is known as the Vignharta or the ‘Remover of Obstacles’. The Ganesh Sthapna, also known as Ganesh Matli, is a special pooja performed before all the other wedding ceremonies. It is held a few days before the wedding at both the bride and groom’s homes. This ritual typically involves family members gathering with a priest who leads the ceremonies. The couple prays to an idol of Lord Ganesh, sometimes along with idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The families clean and decorate the prayer area with rangoli designs using coloured powders and fresh flowers. During the ceremony, a special pedestal or seat is arranged for the idol of Lord Ganesha, which is placed facing North. The idol itself is adorned with flowers and silk cloth and is kept with fruits and incense sticks. During the pooja, the priest recites the Ganapati Mantra and offers flowers, fruits, sweets, and other sacred items to the idol. The prayers focus on asking Lord Ganesh to bless the couple with intelligence, wisdom, and fortune and bring them an obstacle-free wedding ceremony.
Cultural Significance
The Ganesh Sthapna ritual holds great spiritual value in Gujrati weddings. The Ganesh Sthapna pooja is meant to bring the couple a stress-free wedding and marriage. They pray to Lord Ganesh so that he may remove any hurdles in their path and give them the courage to brave the storms themselves. The various components of the ritual focus on Vedic chants and rites as well as common Hindu mythology. For example, the idol is often presented with modaks, a sweet known to be Lord Ganesh’s favourite.
Lord Ganesha is commonly portrayed with a benevolent demeanour, embodying traits that the couple aspires to embrace. His association with wisdom and intellect further signifies the couple's desire for a discerning and enlightened union. Ganesh Sthapna serves as an occasion for relatives and friends to unite in shared faith and optimism for the future.
Fashioning Tradition
At Ganesh Sthapna ceremonies, the bride and groom typically wear traditional attire that mirrors their family’s cultural legacy. In Gujarat, brides traditionally drape the saree in a style called the "seedha pallu", where the end of the saree is pleated in front. These sarees are often decorated with designs and vibrant colours showcasing Gujarat's beautiful craftsmanship.
One of Gujarat's famous sarees is the Patola, which is known for its detailed motifs, like elephants, peacocks, and floral patterns. Patola sarees are typically crafted from silk and are highly valued for their artistry and elegance. Another beloved style is the Bandhani saree, which features tie and dye designs and is usually made from cotton or silk. They come in striking colours, such as green, blue, orange, and pink, which are perfect for festive celebrations. Another popular choice is the Lehariya saree, a tie-and-dye saree with diamond strip designs often worn at special events.
The groom commonly wears a kurta that may be embroidered or embellished with zari (gold or silver thread) work paired with a dhoti or churidar pants. The groom may opt for a bandhani bundi jacket or embroidered Nehru jacket as well.
Jewellery & Accessories
Traditional jewellery from Gujarat is renowned for its craftsmanship and use of metals and gemstones, giving the bride needless options to choose from. For the Ganesh Sthapna ceremony, the bride wears a few intricate pieces. The bride typically sports a Ranihaar, a necklace symbolising royalty and sophistication. Choker necklaces are also popular choices adorned with delicate kundan, polki or meenakari embellishments. For earrings, brides opt for jhumkas or chandbalis. Brides wear a small nathni or nose ring as well to add a touch of allure.
Armlets called bajubandhs and a waist belt known as kamarbandh are accessories that complement the bride's appearance. The kamarbandh, especially, enhances the drape of the saree and adds a touch of elegance. In Gujarat, brides often adorn themselves with a damani or mathapatti, a headpiece that graces the forehead and elevates the beauty of the bridal attire.
Image Credits
Orange City | Youtube | Italian Wedding Designer | Weddingz | Wedding Sutra | Daily Update | ORGDR | Santiago Photography | Lin and Jersa | Yeh Hai India | Shutterstock | Ek Dum Desi | Ptafiq Photography