Wedding

Weddings in Haryana are known for their vibrant celebrations intermingled with age-old Vedic rituals. Spread over a month of ceremonies and festivities, they bring two families and the entire community together. Depending on the budget, guest list, and preferences, the wedding ceremonies may be held in a farmhouse, wedding hall, hotel, or resort. While some functions may be more intimate, others may have hundreds in attendance. Sagai is the first pre-wedding function. During this ceremony, the bride and groom exchange rings as a sign of commitment towards one another. Next are the Bhat Niyotna and Ban Baithana ceremonies. In Bhat Niyotna, the bride’s maternal uncle arrives with gifts for the bride. In the Ban Baithana ritual, the bride and groom families have pujas to mark a spiritual start to the wedding. Other pre-wedding ceremonies are Pithi Lagana, Mehendi, Khichai, Banori and Ratijka. One day before the wedding, there are two unique pre-wedding rituals: Banori and Ratijka. In the morning, a sweet dish called Banori is offered to the priest to honour his contribution to the wedding. In the evening, there is a celebration called Ratjika, Ratijaga, or Ratjaga, which means staying awake at night. Everyone stays awake, singing songs, dancing, playing games, and sharing folk tales to welcome the wedding day on a happy note. It is one of the most cherished traditions, marking the end of the pre-wedding celebrations. The wedding day rituals span hours. The first ritual is called Chawal Chadhana, during which the family presents grains to deities for prosperity. In the meantime, the groom, dressed in traditional finery, departs for the wedding location, mounted on a horse with his family and friends joining the procession called Baraat Nikasi. With loud music, dancing, and firecrackers on the road, the procession finally reaches the wedding venue. The ceremonial welcome is called Seha, in which the groom makes a grand entry by tapping a Toran with his sword or rosewood stick. Ganesh Sthapana, Jaimala, Kanya Daan, and Phere are essential rituals during a wedding mandap. Ganesh Sthapana is done to invoke blessings from the Lord. Jaimala is the exchange of garlands between the bride and groom, signifying their acceptance of each other. In Haryana, the Kanya Daan is also quite different. During Kanya Daan, the bride's mother measures the groom's chest, implying his strength to protect her daughter. Also, the bride's father places her hand in the groom's hand to show she is now under her husband’s care. After the Kanya Daan, the priest prepares the bride and groom for the Pheras. In Hathlewa, a gold coin is tied and placed before the Ganesh idol and in Gajoa, the groom’s kurta is tied to the bride’s odhani. The couple then circles the Agni (consecrated fire) seven times, reciting seven specific vows. This Vedic Hindu ritual called Phere, Saatphere, or Saptapadi is the most important wedding ritual. More ceremonies and rituals follow in the post-wedding events. Vidai marks the first post-wedding event. It is the most emotional and sorrowful moment as the bride bids a final goodbye to her family and childhood home. Then, as she arrives at the groom’s house, she puts her hand stamp on the entrance with Haldi or Mehendi. This Thapa Lagana marks her presence as a family member in her new home. The Muh Dikhayi ceremony follows in which the mother-in-law unveils the bride’s ghoongat (veil). The other post-wedding ceremonies are Kanwar Kaleva, Rangbari and Pag Phera. While Kanwar Kaleva is a family feast, Rangbari is a display of ornaments and clothes bought for the bride. The next day is Pag Phera, where the bride returns to her parental home for a short stay, suggesting the continued bond with her family. The last post-wedding function is the grand Reception, hosted by the groom’s family to introduce the bride to the community. The event usually includes music and food, ending the wedding celebrations on a memorable note.

Jewellery & Accessories

The Maangtikka worn on the forehead looks stunning on every bride. Another ornament is the nose ring or Nath in plain gold or studded with gemstones that may contain an extended chain attached to the ear. Additionally, Panchongale bangles with small round-shaped balls made of stones and Hathphool bangles with attached rings are essential to complete the bridal look. These bangles represent never-ending love and good fortune.

Haryana's most traditional neck ornament is the Kathla necklace, which has nine hexagonal units of thick silver that are gold-plated and decorated with faux-diamond patterns. Some brides like to wear this necklace to honour their culture. They may even wear the Hasli or Hansil necklace.