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Haldi
One of the most anticipated events of Himachal Pradesh weddings is the ‘Halad’ or Haldi ceremony. Held a day or two before the main day, this event brings together the couple’s families and close friends for a festive and lively ceremony. Traditionally, the bride and groom had two separate Haldi ceremonies in their respective homes. With modern couples, the Haldi can be held together at a separate venue. The main highlight of the event is when guests apply a mixture of turmeric, sandalwood, rose water, and other herbal elements to the bride and groom. This practice is thought to cleanse and purify the couple as they prepare for their wedding celebration. The Haldi ceremony starts with relatives and friends being welcomed by the couple’s families. The venue is brightly decorated with a little stage where the bride and groom sit on a wooden platform known as a "paat." The air is filled with the scent of blooms while traditional folk songs sung by female family members resonate throughout. Elders kick off the ceremony by applying the Haldi paste to the faces, arms, and feet of the couple. Subsequently, other family members and friends participated by taking turns applying the paste and extending their wishes. The Haldi paste is freshly prepared on the day of this occasion by grounding turmeric and mixing it with sandalwood. Turmeric is renowned for its healing qualities in Ayurveda, while sandalwood is known for its cooling properties. Occasionally, milk and almond paste are included to enhance the skin's radiance. The ingredients are finely ground into a paste and applied either using mango leaves or simply by hand. It is common for family members to playfully spread the paste on each other, turning it into a celebration. The bride and groom typically wear old attire that can be discarded after the ceremony to prevent staining from turmeric. The festivities extend beyond applying Haldi. The day usually includes music, dancing and a lavish array of local dishes. During this time, female family members sing wedding songs called "suhag geet ", celebrating marriage bliss and familial unity.
Cultural Significance
This ceremony is deeply rooted in tradition, particularly focusing on turmeric. Turmeric, renowned for its inflammatory and antioxidant properties in Ayurvedic medicine, plays a central role in the haldi paste. This paste offers cosmetic benefits as it is applied to enhance the bride and groom's skin on their special day. The blend of turmeric with almond paste and milk not only brightens their skin but also gently exfoliates to reveal a healthy radiance by eliminating impurities and dead cells.
Beyond its advantages, turmeric is believed to have calming effects that can alleviate wedding anxiety. Curcumin, an antioxidant found in turmeric, is an antidepressant and aids in relieving headaches. According to Hinduism, rinsing off the paste is believed to ward off energies and cleanse the mind, body, and soul of impurities. Doing it purifies the bride and groom, allowing them to embark on a journey in their lives with a clean slate. Above all, this ceremony in Himachal Pradesh weddings is marked by love and joy, bringing together the couple and their families amidst the chaos of wedding preparations.
Fashioning Tradition
Brides may sometimes choose silk or chiffon sarees for a touch of elegance that's still practical for the ceremony. These outfits often showcase localembroideries, such as Chamba Rumal or Pahari embroidery, known for their detailed designs and vibrant hues.
Often, brides opt for simpler and contemporary attire, such as a kurta with palazzo pants or a light lehenga choli. These modern options maintain tradition while offering comfort and ease of movement. Many brides also prefer wearing preloved or older garments designated specifically for such occasions to prevent staining new clothes with turmeric paste.
For the groom, the Haldi ceremony calls for an outfit that's comfortable and easy to handle. Traditionally, grooms wear a kurta pajama set with the kurta, often in yellow or white, symbolising purity and joy. The pajama or dhoti is usually white or cream, complementing the kurta's hue.
The groom's attire is typically crafted from cotton or linen, perfect for the sometimes messy nature of the Haldi ceremony. These fabrics not only offer comfort but are also easy to clean.
Traditional embroidery designs, like motifs, may decorate the kurta, bringing a touch of cultural significance and sophistication to the otherwise simple attire.
Jewellery & Accessories
Some brides may choose attire for the Haldi ceremony, while others might skip it altogether for comfort. A Tikka, a forehead adornment traditionally crafted from gold and sometimes adorned with gemstones, is a piece of jewellery that enhances the bride's appearance without being overly extravagant.
In times brides often opt for floral jewellery during the Haldi ceremony. This includes necklaces, earrings, bracelets and maang tikka made from blooms like roses, jasmine and marigolds. These floral accessories are light, lovely and ideal for the celebratory atmosphere of the Haldi ceremony. Contemporary brides may also select gold or silver pieces like delicate chains, with small pendants, stud earrings and dainty bracelets to achieve a modern yet traditional look.
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