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Wedding rituals in Uttarakhand are a rich reflection of the region's cultural heritage, with celebrations spanning three to five days, divided into pre-wedding, wedding, and post-wedding ceremonies. Traditionally, families arranged marriages after a purohit (priest) or astrologer matched the couple’s horoscopes and family backgrounds. The engagement, a pivotal ceremony, marks the formal union acceptance by both families and is usually held at the bride’s home. It begins with applying teeka (vermillion paste) to the groom’s family elders, who use it for the bride’s family. The groom’s family brings shogun (gifts) for the bride, symbolising acceptance. In some modern ceremonies, couples exchange rings, though it is not mandatory. Notably, in the Kumaon community, the fathers of the bride and groom exchange rings, not the couple. The bride also receives a necklace from the groom’s family, symbolising her acceptance into the family.
The engagement ceremony in Uttarakhand Weddings is deeply significant, marking the start of the wedding planning process and serving as an informal agreement between the two families. Held at the bride’s home, the ceremony often begins with a small Ganesh puja performed by the priest to invoke blessings and remove any obstacles to the marriage. Families then share prasad, such as Bal mithai and Balushahi, placed before Lord Ganesh's idol. The exchange of gifts, including Natasha (sugar candies), fruits, clothes, and jewellery, follows. Elders bless the couple, highlighting the essential role of family in Uttarakhand culture.
After the ceremony, families publicly announce the upcoming marriage to friends, extended family, and the community. Unique traditions are observed in different regions, such as in Kumaon, where the fathers of the bride and groom exchange ring instead of the couple. The engagement reinforces family bonds, upholds age-old customs, and reflects the rich cultural heritage of Uttarakhand.
In Uttarakhand, attire for the engagement ceremony showcases its people's beauty and beliefs. The bride wears a traditional ghagra choli or silk saree in bright or pastel colours. It is worn with a form-fitting blouse and dupatta (veil). Alternatively, if the engagement is a close-knit affair at home, the bride may even wear a beautifully embroidered and comfortable salwar kameez with a light dupatta.
On the other hand, the groom’s outfit for the engagement is usually a cotton or silk dhoti kurta or kurta pyjama with mojaris to match. The groom may wear a sadri (jacket) and a topi (cap) for a slightly more traditional look. However, if the engagement is on a grand scale held at a hotel or some other venue, the groom may wear a lightly embroidered sherwani with churidar (narrow trousers). The groom's attire is a reflection of the rich cultural heritage of Uttarakhand and adds to the grandeur of the engagement ceremony.
The engagement ceremony highlights traditional jewellery, each piece rich in cultural significance. The bride typically wears the Pahadi Jajeer, a silver necklace with multiple chains and coins, and the Hasli, a stiff silver necklace. Earrings like Kumaoni Chupki, Kaanphool and floral gold earrings covering the ear add elegance and are believed to bring good fortune. Anklets, called Pauje, adorn her feet. Other pieces, like the Guluband, Pahunchi, and Tehri Nath, are reserved for the wedding day and symbolise marital status. While modern brides may choose contemporary designs, these traditional ornaments remain a cherished part of Uttarakhand’s wedding culture.
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