Maharashtrian weddings incorporate various rituals and indulge in customs practised down the ages. The customs are simple, and soulful and entail the union of the bride and groom gracefully. They cater to traditional ceremonies, poojas, havans, and vows and capture memorable celebrations. There are various rituals which need to be followed in a Maharashtrian wedding.

Lagnacha Bedior

Lagnacha Bedior is a unique ritual before marriage where the ‘Patrikas’ or the horoscopes of the bride and the groom are matched accordingly. This is one of the vital rituals where the auspicious date and time are also selected for the marriage by the two families and the Indian Pandit.

Photographer: Pankaj Jhadav 

Shakhar Puda

Shakhar Puda is the official engagement between the bride and groom and incorporates royalty. Shakhar Puda encompasses a ritual where the groom’s mother applies Haldi-Kumkum on the bride and provides blessings and gifts for the new phase of life. Organise a Shakhar Puda with engagement rings and a minimalistic design.

Photographer: Shubham Nirmal

Halad Chadavne

Halad Chadavne is the last ritual before the wedding where the halad or the turmeric paste is applied to the groom and bride with mango leaves. The ritual encompasses various gifts and blessings by the elders and enhances grace.

Photographer: Rohan Shinde

Antarpat

Antarpat is a unique ritual where the groom arrives at the mandap and the mundavalya is given to him. Plan to buy two mundavalya which is a traditional item of Marathi Wedding. Mundavalya is a holy designed thread tied on the forehead of the bride and groom. Antarpat is a traditional ritual where the groom is hidden behind the curtains so that he is not seen by the bride.

Photographer: The Cheese Cake Project

Sankalp

Sankalp is also a wedding ritual performed aesthetically as the bride enters the mandap. The priest chants holy recitations and the couple exchanges var mala with the elder blessings. Plan to create a unique and spacious mandap for the Sankalp.

Photographer: Pune Dusk

Kanyadaan

Kanyadaan is the most primitive ritual performed in India for generations. In this ritual, the father of the bride gives the daughter to the groom and provides blessings for their future endeavours.

Photographer: Weddings by Vishal Walve

 Lajahoma

Lajahoma is a unique ritual practised among the Maharashtrians where the bride recites three mantras followed by the groom and the couple worships their Kuldevta or Ganesh Laxmi. The bride and groom gracefully tie turmeric threads in each other hands, symbolising togetherness, and the groom ties the mangal sutra.

Photographer: Abhijeet Chavan

 Saptapadhi

Saptapadhi is the seven rounds or the pheras which are performed by the bride and groom while chanting seven mantras. The Saptapadi is performed around the holy fire seven times and various promises are made by the bride and groom.

Photographer: Pune Dusk

Karmasamapti

Karmasampti encompasses the ending of the wedding and the bride and groom gracefully sit for the Laxmi Pooja. There is a fun ritual where the bride’s brother twists the groom’s ear and reminds the groom of his marital responsibilities.

Photographer: Moments of Wedding By Rakes Pawar

Varat

Varat entails the bidaai or the bride’s farewell as she bids goodbye to her house with the gifts and blessings of the elders. This leads to Grihapravesh or the entrance to the new phase of life.

Photographer: Photo Wala

Weddings are always fun, unique, classy and gorgeous. Tell us about your opinions in the comments section below.

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