There are a lot of beautiful as well as distinct features that define a Bengali wedding. Be it the beautiful bride hiding her face behind the betel leaves or the holy sound of ooli made by women while welcoming the groom, various things like these just make the Bengali weddings a truly magical affair. And, the one who makes this ceremony truly very charming is a Bengali bride.
Adorned with traditional art from head to toe in various ways, a Bengali bride looks no less than a beautiful goddess on her wedding day. So, let us take you through the wedding journey of some of our beautiful Bengali brides. We are sure that just like us, even you would be left awestruck with their beauty and grace.
A learned purohit (priest) decides the auspicious day for the marriage. But, before deciding the date, he checks and confirms that the bride and groom are not close relatives or the ones belonging to the same gotra (ancestral lineage). After receiving the approval from purohit, the families exchange sweets and some gifts (shagun).
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After this, the aashirbaad ceremony takes place. It is performed just two to three days before the wedding. It is done in the presence of a purohit and an idol of Lord Narayana. The groom’s family visits the bride’s place and shower their blessings on her. They sprinkle husked rice and trefoil leaves on her, and also give her various gifts. And, even the bride’s family does the same with the groom.
As the time proceeds, there comes another beautiful ritual called vridhi puja. This puja is conducted to show respect to the ancestors of the bride and the groom, and take their blessings. It is performed a day before the wedding by the paternal uncles of both the bride and the groom.
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On the same day when vridhi puja is conducted, the entire night is dedicated to celebrate the bride’s last meal at her parent’s house before her marriage. The family members and close friends of the bride sing and dance in this ceremony, and it is known as aai budo bhaat.
As soon as the first light of the day appears, another ceremony, dodhi mongol, is performed. In this, the bride is accompanied by a few married women to a nearby pond to take blessings from Goddess Ganga. Same is followed with the groom at his place.
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Known as holud kota and snan ritual in the Bengali culture, the haldi ceremony is done on the same day of the marriage. The haldi is first applied to the groom by a few married women, and then the same is sent for the bride along with a few gifts.
The family members of the bride apply this haldi on her. Normally after this ceremony, the bride has to keep a fast till the wedding.
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This is another very beautiful ritual of a Bengali wedding, and it is dedicated to the bride. Just before the bride starts getting ready for her wedding, seven married women make her wear a pair of shakha (white bangles) and paula (red bangles). These bangles are one of the symbols of a married Bengali woman.
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Bengali brides usually prefer a Banarasi silk saree with heavy golden border. While red is considered to be the most auspicious colour for bridal attire, they can also wear pink or maroon for the ceremony.
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One of the most striking as well integral parts of a Bengali bride’s makeup is the intricate design on her forehead. It is made with the sandalwood paste, and gives a divine elegance to her look. In addition, a big red, round-shaped bindi on her face makes her look simply marvellous.
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When it comes to hairstyle, they usually prefer a low bun decorated with flowers. And, a Bengali bride is incomplete without her mukut that she adorns on her head. It is usually white in colour and can have various designs.
The way the bride enters the wedding place is also quite unique. She is seated on a piri (wooden stool) and is carried to the mandap by her brothers and maternal uncles. After reaching the mandap, her brothers and uncles make her take seven rounds around the groom. All this while, her face is covered with betel leaves. It is only after this ritual that the bride and the groom can see each other. This unique ritual is known as subho dristi.
Learn more about the Sacred Rituals Of A Traditional Bengali Wedding
Just like most Hindu weddings in different cultures, the ceremony of taking wedding vows is done in the form of yagna in the Bengali culture as well. In this, where the couple sits in front of the holy fire while the priest recites the mantras. They then take seven rounds around the holy fire holding each other’s hands.
The marriage ceremony comes to an end when the groom puts vermillion on the bride’s hair parting. After this, the bride leaves her home and heads to her husband’s house.
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Before she steps inside the house, the bride has to put her feet in a plate filled with milk and red dye so as to leave her footprints on the floor. The elders welcome the couple and offer them their heartfelt blessings.
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The angelic Bengali brides are truly the perfect blend of simplicity and flawless beauty. Needless to say, the rich traditions and divine rituals of Bengali weddings just increase their beauty manifolds.