The Dodhi Mangal ceremony is deeply important in Bengali weddings. As the first ceremony on the wedding day, it sets the tone for the rest of the day. The bride and groom have a simple but auspicious meal, and they fast until they are married. Some couples follow a nirjala fast, in which they don’t even drink water till the wedding rituals are over. Others are allowed to drink water and eat fruits. 

The fast is observed for several reasons. First, it is done to respect Agni, the Hindu fire god who witnesses the marriage vows. Second, fasting is believed to help calm down the bride and groom. With emotions running, the bride and groom may get nervous or overwhelmed. A fasting ritual might keep them composed, physically and mentally. Lastly, fasting keeps them from eating something that might upset their stomach and ruin their special day.

A big part of the Dodhi Mangal is the Sankha and Pola bangles. These bangles are a cherished part of a married Bengali woman’s look and carry deep meaning. The white Sankha bangles stand for purity and peace, while the red Pola bangles symbolise energy and passion. Together, they represent the eternal bond of marriage, and the Bengali bride wears them with great pride. 

The river Ganga also plays a role in the Dodhi Mangal ceremony. Bengalis regard Ganga as a sacred river as an embodiment of the Goddess Ganga. The river’s waters are considered to purify one’s soul and are often used in religious rituals. For Bengali weddings, in particular, the first wedding invitations to the Ganga river in a tradition known as Ganga Nimontron. By going to the river on the day of the wedding is another instance where Bengalis ask for the goddess’ blessings.

The Dodhi Mangal ceremony is austere and respectful, so the bride often wears a traditional Lal-Par saree. The Lal-Par saree literally translates to ‘red border saree’ and is a staple in Bengali culture. It is an iconic white saree adorned with a vibrant red border. Some sarees have traditional designs, motifs, or patterns in the pallu. This saree is a popular choice for poojas, festivals, and weddings and holds a special place in the hearts of Bengali women.

The Lal-Par saree is a classic combination of red and white. Like the Sankha-Pola bangles, white represents purity and auspiciousness, and red symbolises love and passion.

One of the most popular variations of the Lal-Par saree is the Baluchari saree. This is a traditional weaving style of the Baluchar village in West Bengal. These sarees are known for their rich silk fabric and handwoven motifs of scenes from Indian mythology, folklore, and literature on the pallu. Another popular variation of the Lal-Par saree is the Tant saree. These can be made in cotton or silk and are known for their comfortable and lightweight look. Other Lal-Par sarees include Jamdani, chanderi silk, tussar silk, ikkat, and garad.