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Sakhar Puda
Every wedding must begin with an engagement, and in Maharashtrian weddings, that is the Sakhar Puda ceremony. This is a special function where the bride and groom come together with their families to mark the couple's official engagement. It is also known as ‘waangnischay,’ which translates to a verbal agreement. During the ceremony, the groom’s parents gift the bride a packet (Puda) of sugar (Sakhar). The packet is often a colourful conical box embellished with mirrors, beads, and embroidered ribbons. The groom’s mother puts haldi-kumkum on the bride’s forehead and gifts her sarees and jewellery as a symbol of accepting her into their family. They may also offer gifts to the bride’s sister and the rest of their family. In return, the bride’s family gifts the groom a coconut, a gold or silver coin, and clothes. The families feed each other sugar as a sign of a mutual promise from the families to agree to the wedding. After the gifts are offered, the couple exchanges rings as a sign of commitment and seeks their elder’s blessings. The ceremony is followed by a Maharashtrian feast that is served to the guests. This may feature classic dishes such as shira bhaat, kurma puri, sweet pedhe, and refreshments.
Cultural Significance
The Sakhar Puda ceremony acts as a formal agreement between the two families. It is a momentous occasion similar to the Western concept of Engagement or the Hindu concept of Sagai. During the ceremony, a priest might study the couple’s horoscopes and determine an auspicious Muhurat or date and time for the wedding that ensures a happy and prosperous future. The Muhurat is recorded in the Lagna Patrika.
This function is also significant because it gives the couple’s families a chance to get to know each other and deepen their connection.
By exchanging gifts and performing rituals together, the families strengthen their relationship with their in-laws.
Overall, the Sakhar Puda ceremony marks the first step in the journey towards the Maharashtrian wedding. After the engagement ceremony, the families print and send out wedding invitations and the preparations for the wedding can begin in earnest. The first wedding invitation is always presented to an idol of Lord Ganesha as a symbolic request for his blessings.
Fashioning Tradition
Many brides choose to wear traditional sarees during the Sakhar Puda ceremony. The two popular categories of Maharashtrian sarees are Paithani and Navari sarees. They are known for their luxurious silk fabric, intricate weaves, and rich history in the state.
The history of Paithani sarees dates back to the 2nd century in the Satvahana Dynasty, where it originated in the Paithan town in the Aurangabad district. It was initially woven with cotton and silk threads and pure gold wire. Nowadays, silk is the popular fabric choice, embroidered with zari work. What sets a traditional Paithani saree apart is its bold colours, bold oblique square border design, and peacock motifs. Traditional dyes like Firozi (cyan), Motia (pale pink), Neeligunji (blue), Pophali (chrome yellow), Samprus (green-red), and Vangi (aubergine purple) are commonly used. Besides the peacock, other popular motifs are lotuses, swans, flowers, vines, coconuts, and even the Buddha.
Alternatively, brides may select a Navari saree, a beautiful nine-yard worn with an embroidered blouse and shela, or silk stole. Also known as Kaashta sarees, they are known for their unique draping style. The Navari drape is worn without an inner petticoat and tucked in the back, creating a pant-like fashion. This drape traces its origins back to the Maratha empire when women fought in wars and found the dhoti style to allow them greater freedom of movement. These regal sarees are adorned with charming florals, leaves, and peacock designs, complemented by a thick gold or silver border.
The groom traditionally dresses in a dhoti, kurta, and pheta or turban. The dhoti is wrapped around the waist and legs and tucked in the back similar to a Navari drape. Alternatively, he may wear a Bundi jacket, a loose coat, and a Gandhi-style cap.
Jewellery & Accessories
For the Sakhar Puda ceremony, brides will be decked out in elegant gold jewellery that the state is known for. Maharashtra’s bridal jewellery repertoire is rich, featuring necklaces like Tanmani, a pearls and gems choker, Thushi, a gold beads choker, Mohan Mala, a gold beaded necklace; and Kolhapuri Saaj, a long necklace featuring 21 leaf pendants. A necklace that is particularly royal is the Ranihaar, a long glamorous necklace made with multiple strings of pearls and a large pendant.
Besides these ornaments, the bride will often wear a traditional bajuband on the upper arm, painjan on her ankles, and bugdi, delicate earrings that fit in the upper ear.
Image Credits
Bookeventz | Indian Wedding | Pinterest | Wedding Bazaar | WedMeGood | Navdeep Soni | Sophia Sec | Boonton | Wedding Wire | Quora