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Tilak
Tilak is an essential pre-wedding ceremony symbolising the start of the wedding function leading up to the wedding day. The Tilak ceremony is typically held one month before the wedding day, but it can sometimes differ depending on the preference and convenience of the families. This auspicious ceremony is usually held at the groom's residence but can even occur in a Hindu temple. The bride-to-be is not a part of the Tilak ceremony. For the Tilak ceremony, the bride's brother, father, and other relatives visit the groom’s home. Typically, the bride places a ceremonial tilak of Kumkum on the groom's forehead, but in some families, the bride's father may apply tilak to the groom. With this ritual, the bride’s brother claims to be his brother-in-law and welcomes him into the bride's family. Later, the bride's and groom's father exchange Shagun or gifts, such as clothes, jewellery, fruits, rice, coconuts, and sugar. At the end of the ceremony, the groom’s father, the bride's father and other family members congratulate the groom and each other on the newly formed alliance. The Tilak ceremony is a private affair, typically followed by a lunch hosted by the groom’s family. It is an intimate gathering, with only a select few male members from both families in attendance, making it a unique and exclusive event. Besides forming a bond, the Tilak ceremony is significant in Hindu culture. The tilak, usually vermillion powder mixed with water, acts as a silent confidence booster, empowering the groom to navigate the marriage. Sometimes, the paste may contain sandalwood powder or sandalwood essence.
Cultural Significance
The Tilak ceremony is one of the initial pre-wedding ceremonies; It marks a formal acknowledgement of the marriage union by both families. Only after the Tilak ceremony do the bride's and groom's parents begin to inform other family members and friends about the commitment. It also marks the beginning of Madhya Pradesh's wedding preparations, setting the tone for a grand wedding.
The ritual symbolises blessings and good fortune from the bride’s family. It is also a gesture respecting the groom and welcoming him into the bride’s family. Finally, since the vermillion is applied on the forehead between the eyebrows where the ajna chakra is located, it invokes divine energy and helps to re-centre spiritual focus.
Fashioning Tradition
During the Tilak ceremony in Madhya Pradesh, the groom's attire plays a significant role in reflecting tradition. He usually dresses in simple yet elegant Indian styles such as a cotton or silk kurta-pyjama or kurta-dhoti.
This traditional attire not only adds to the aesthetic appeal of the ceremony but also connects us to the rich cultural heritage of India.
Jewellery & Accessories
During the Tilak ceremony in Madhya Pradesh, the groom typically wears ethnic jewellery to blend with the traditional look. Some ornaments and accessories are symbolic and can hold ceremonial significance. For instance, the groom wears a Kada (thick bangle) or chain made from gold, as the metal is considered auspicious and associated with good fortune and prosperity. Similarly, he wears a Safa (headgear), a symbol of honour and a part of one’s cultural heritage. Also, the pin or brooch may have precious or semi-precious stones set in gold. Overall, for a Tilak ceremony, the groom's jewellery is understated but elegant.
Image Credits
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