Jharkhandi Wedding

The Land and the People

Jharkhandi weddings are held in Jharkhand, in eastern India. Cities like Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Dhanbad and Bokaro are part of the state. The name Jharkhand means the land of forests. It is a land of green hills, waterfalls, rivers and rich minerals. Many villages lie deep inside the forests.

Many tribes, such as the Santhal, Munda, Oraon and Ho, live here. Each tribe has its own language, songs and customs. Non-tribal Hindu families also follow their own wedding customs. Tribal weddings are simple and close to nature. The people love music and dance, and every wedding is a big village event.

How Long the Wedding Lasts

A Jharkhandi wedding usually takes two to four days. Tribal weddings are often shorter than other weddings. The talks between the families may take longer than the wedding itself. Once the date is fixed, the whole village helps to make the wedding a success.

Before the Wedding

The families first meet and talk about the match. The elders of both sides sit together and talk about the young couple. They ask about the family, the clan and the home. In many tribes, marriage inside the same clan is not allowed, so this is checked with care.

In many tribes, the groom’s family gives a small bride price. It may be given in the form of cloth, grain or a small amount of money. This is a sign of respect and thanks to the bride’s family. The amount is kept low, and the elders make sure that no family feels burdened.

A village elder or priest helps the families with the wedding rituals. The village elder is a wise and respected person, and his advice is valued. He guides both families about the customs to be followed. Oil and turmeric are applied to the bride and groom at their own homes. The women of the family do this with songs and laughter.

The Wedding Day

On the wedding day, the groom’s party goes to the bride’s village with drums and songs. The whole party walks together, and the villagers dance along the road. When they reach the bride’s village, the villagers welcome them with water, flowers and warm greetings.

In many tribes, the groom applies red sindoor to the bride’s forehead. This is a sign that she is now a married woman. It is done in front of the elders, who bless the couple. The couple takes blessings from the elders, and the elders wish them a long life and many children.

Non-tribal families follow rituals like Tilak, Haldi, Barat, Kanyadaan and pheras. These are the common customs of many North Indian Hindu weddings. Each ritual has a meaning, and the priest guides the family. The couple takes the pheras around the holy fire and makes promises.

Clothes and Jewelry

The bride and groom wear simple traditional clothes with flowers and beads. The bride may wear a bright sari or a cloth woven by hand. She adds silver jewelry and flowers in her hair. The groom wears a white dhoti and a shirt, with a turban or a garland. The clothes are light and comfortable.

Food, Music and Fun

Drums like the Mandar and Dhol are played all through the wedding. The rhythm of the drums is strong and it makes everyone want to dance. Villagers dance together in long rows. They hold each other’s arms or waists, and they move in steps. The dance can go on for hours.

The feast has rice, meat or vegetables and a local rice drink. The dishes are cooked in big pots over open fires. Everyone in the village shares the food. The rice drink is served in leaf cups. A Jharkhandi wedding is a joyful time of drums, dance and village togetherness.