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Wanvun
While many might recognise the grandiosity of Kashmiri wedding feasts or the intricate beauty of bridal attire, the Wanvun is the soul of the wedding festivities. It is a joyous musical affair where family members, especially women, come together to sing traditional songs that celebrate love, marriage, and familial bonds. The Wanvun ceremony usually takes place a few days before the wedding, often on the night before the Lagan (the wedding day). It is held at both the bride's and groom's homes, and family and friends gather to take part in the festivities. The word Wanvun literally translates to "singing," and that is exactly what takes place during this charming prelude to the wedding – an evening filled with folk songs that are as melodious as they are meaningful. While men often have separate gatherings, the Wanvun primarily revolves around the women of the family. They sit in a circle, clapping rhythmically and singing folk songs passed down through generations. These songs narrate various aspects of life, love, and marriage, and many are written as playful banter between the bride and groom’s families. The Wanvun session begins with the singing of auspicious songs to invoke blessings from the divine. The older women, often the grandmothers or aunts, take the lead in singing, while the younger generation joins in. Some of the songs are lighthearted and filled with humour, teasing the bride and groom about their impending married life. Others are more emotional, with lyrics that emphasise the significance of the union, the emotions surrounding the bride leaving her parents’ home, and the deep bonds between families. The atmosphere is electric with joy, as the clapping and singing become more energetic as the night progresses. Traditional musical instruments such as the noot (a Kashmiri drum) are sometimes played to accompany the singers, adding to the vibrancy of the event.
Cultural Significance
For the bride and groom, the Wanvun is an emotional experience, as it is one of the final ceremonies before the actual Jammu & Kashmir wedding.
It marks the transition from single life to married life, with songs reflecting this emotional journey.
Fashioning Tradition
The attire worn by the bride and groom during the Wanvun ceremony is as deeply rooted in tradition as the songs themselves. For the bride, the ceremony often involves wearing a traditional Pheran, which is a loose, flowing gown made from rich fabrics such as silk or brocade. The Pheran is intricately embroidered, often featuring gold or silver threadwork that adds a touch of opulence to the outfit.
The Pheran has both cultural and practical significance. Given the cold climate of Kashmir, the loose fit allows for layers of warm clothing to be worn underneath.
Despite its practicality, the Pheran is anything but simple – it is a symbol of Kashmiri tradition, representing the rich cultural heritage of the region.
The groom also dons traditional attire during the Wanvun. Similar to the bride, he wears a Pheran, often paired with a turban or headscarf. The groom’s Pheran is usually made of fine fabrics like silk or velvet and is also adorned with intricate embroidery. The groom may accessorise his outfit with a Kangri (a small pot filled with hot embers), which is a quintessential Kashmiri accessory used to keep warm during the cold months.
Jewellery & Accessories
Kashmiri brides wear a variety of gold and silver jewellery, such as necklaces, bracelets, and rings. Each piece of jewellery has its significance, often symbolising blessings for a prosperous and happy married life. For instance, the bride may wear a Tikka (a pendant worn on the forehead) or a Nath (a nose ring), both of which are traditional adornments in Kashmiri bridal fashion.
Image Credits
The Gypsy | Youtube | Linkedin | Here comes to the Wedding | Mahrani Weddings | The Indian Express | Namrata | India Today | Youtube | Rams Evemt | India Mart | JK Arts and Foundation | Wikipedia | Cultural Foundation