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Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh weddings are a unique blend of traditional customs and Vedic rituals. They are not just a union of two individuals but a union of two families, with everyone from family members to the entire village participating in the celebrations. The array of wedding rituals, which typically lasts for around a week, is a testament to the region's rich cultural heritage. The Roka, Tilak, and Pilli-chitthi ceremonies mark the family’s decision for the marriage. They are the first ceremonies held to announce the wedding. In the Roka ceremony, the bride’s father permits the groom’s father to proceed with the wedding. In the Tilak ceremony, the bride’s brother goes to the groom’s house to express their acceptance of the groom. The marriage decision is sealed with the Pilli-chitthi, in which the groom’s family sends a pilli-chitthi (invitation card) to the bride’s home, confirming the alliance between the two families. The Pilli-chitthi symbolises Lord Ganesha and is dabbed with turmeric and vermillion powder. Following these rituals are the eagerly anticipated pre-wedding functions like Shagun, Mandap Aarohan, Haldi, and Mehendi. The Shagun ceremony involves an exchange of gifts and auspicious items to bless the couple. The Ladies Sangeet is a lively occasion filled with music and dance, where women from both families celebrate together. The Mandap Aarohan, a week before the wedding, is a joyous activity where all the bride’s family members come together to help make the mandap. The Haldi and Mehendi ceremonies, part of the Solah Shringar (bridal make-up), are moments of pure joy and celebration. The wedding day rituals, including Padla, Baraat, Jaimala, Kanyadaan, Saptapadi and the quintessential Pheras, are not just about the couple but also the entire community coming together. The post-wedding rituals, including Vidai (bidai), Griha Pravesh, Kunwar Kaleo, and Mooh Dikhai, further strengthen these communal ties. Most weddings in Madhya Pradesh follow these rituals, each a thread in the rich tapestry of cultural heritage.
Tracing the Traditions
A wedding in Madhya Pradesh is not just a ceremony but a multi-day affair incorporating diverse cultural elements. From pre-wedding to wedding and post-wedding rituals, each aspect of the wedding is steeped in tradition. The practice of marriages, ethnic attire, traditional decor, and elaborate wedding feasts uphold the state’s rich heritage.
Furthermore, each ritual holds specific meanings and spiritual significance, helping the couple prepare for their new life together. The presence of family, friends, and community members at a wedding reinforces family ties and social bonding, making it a truly significant event.
Traditional Cuisine
Weddings in Madhya Pradesh have several rituals where family and friends come to bless the bride and groom. Since serving food to guests is considered a sacred act, the host ensures every guest enjoys a variety of traditional dishes. The cuisine of Madhya Pradesh varies regionally and seasonally. Depending on the time of the day and the type of ritual, families also serve favourite snacks like Indori Poha with crispy Jalebis, Dal Bafla, Sev, Sabudana Khichdi, Kachaudi, and Chana Samosa and Khopra patties. While Poha has flattened rice, Sabudana khichdi has sago. Kachories are spicy stuffed pastries, and Khopra Patties consist of mashed potatoes mixed with grated coconut, coated with breadcrumbs, and deep-fried. Overall, every item served on the menu offers a harmonious blend of flavours.
For desserts, Shahi Tukda, Laung Lata, Malpuas, and Sarafa Ke Parathe are among the highlights. Guests also savor signature regional specialties like Bhutte Ka Kees (a corn-based delicacy) and Dal Batti, which is a hearty dish of baked wheat balls served with lentil curry. Every item served on the menu offers a harmonious blend of flavors, celebrating the culinary diversity of Madhya Pradesh.
Cultural Decor
In Madhya Pradesh, wedding décor is vital as it creates a vibrant and welcoming ambience. It infuses aesthetic beauty with cultural essence and traditional elements. From simple to opulent. Common décor elements include fresh flowers, cascading vines, glowing lanterns, paper kites, multi-coloured tassels, saree drapes, and Gota pattis. Also, fabrics with traditional patterns like Bandhani or Ikkat and local artefacts add an ethnic touch. Today, weddings even have bold backdrops and props like personalised photo booths and flower stations for guests.
Mandap decorators even offer Phoolon ki Chadar, a decorative canopy of flowers, Bandhanwars, or torans, and floral and bead garlands to adorn doorways and entrances. They also have a wide range of Rangoli designs to choose from.
A Rangoli is an intricate pattern drawn on the floor with coloured powders or flower petals. It is usually done to decorate the entrance, walking path, and the Mandap.
Creative lighting sets the mood for an all-night wedding ceremony. Spotlights and decorative lights like fairy lights and string lanterns illuminate the Mandap and surrounding area just right – neither too bright nor too dim. Ultimately, the wedding decor must reflect the theme and the bride and groom’s unique style to capture the beauty of the occasion.
