Varmala / Phera

Rajasthan, the land of palaces and grandeur, is renowned for its opulent and culturally rich weddings that are an extravagant celebration of traditions. Among the many rituals that make up a Rajasthani wedding, the Varmala and Pheras hold immense importance. The Varmala, or Jaimala, is one of the most recognisable and visually striking moments of a Rajasthani wedding. In this ritual, the bride and groom exchange garlands made from flowers, which symbolises their willingness to share love and responsibility with one another. Traditionally, the bride and groom stand on a platform or stage, surrounded by family and friends. The garlands are often made from fragrant flowers such as roses, marigolds, or jasmine, each carrying its own cultural significance. The act of placing the garland around each other’s necks signifies mutual respect. Once the Varmala ceremony is complete, the couple proceeds to the most spiritually significant part of the wedding – the Pheras. The Saptapadi, or seven steps around the sacred fire, is the core of a Hindu wedding and is no different in Rajasthani marriages. With each step around the holy fire, the couple takes a vow, promising to uphold love, loyalty, trust, and companionship throughout their lives. In a traditional Rajasthani wedding, the bride and groom circle the fire, which is considered a witness to their union. The fire symbolises purity and the divine, and the couple takes seven rounds (pheras) while priests chant sacred mantras. Each phera holds a specific significance, with the couple committing to values such as nourishing each other, being together through happiness and sorrow, respecting elders, and striving for prosperity. The seventh and final phera is perhaps the most significant, as it represents lifelong friendship and companionship, promising that the couple will remain friends, partners, and confidantes forever. The entire ceremony is solemn, yet it is also filled with joy and emotion, with family members showering the couple with blessings and flower petals as they complete the pheras.

Jewellery & Accessories

A Rajasthani bride’s jewellery is a statement of her family’s heritage and wealth. The most important piece is the Rakhdi or Maangtikka, a head ornament that rests on the bride’s forehead. She also wears an elaborate Aad necklace – a wide and flat choker-like piece, often passed down through generations. 

Another essential piece is the Bajubandh (armlet) worn on the upper arm, and a Kamarbandh (waistband), which accentuates the bride’s waist Chooda, a set of ivory or gold bangles, is also an essential part of the bridal jewellery, as it represents her new status as a married woman. Rings, anklets, and toe rings also form part of the bridal jewellery set, each holding its own cultural importance. The intricate designs of these pieces often incorporate traditional Rajasthani motifs such as peacocks, lotuses, and elephants.

While the bride’s jewellery is more elaborate, the groom also wears several significant accessories. The groom’s Safa is usually adorned with a Kalgi or Sarpech, which are jewelled ornaments that signify his royal status. Some grooms also wear a Kanthi, a necklace made of pearls or precious stones, symbolising his noble lineage. Bracelets or Kada are also commonly worn. In some regions of Rajasthan, grooms also wear earrings, a tradition rooted in Rajput warrior customs.