Mewari Wedding

The Land and the People

Mewari weddings are held in the Mewar region of Rajasthan. This region includes Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Bhilwara and Rajsamand. Mewar is a land of lakes, hills and forts. Udaipur is called the city of lakes, and it is one of the most beautiful cities in India.

Mewar has a proud royal history, and its weddings show that royal style. The people are proud of the brave kings of Mewar, who fought for their land and honour. Many couples from other places also choose Udaipur for their weddings. The people follow Hindu and Rajput customs.

How Long the Wedding Lasts

A Mewari wedding usually takes three to five days. Royal weddings can take a full week. The celebrations are grand, with music, dance and feasts. Each day has its own function, and the guests enjoy the local hospitality.

Before the Wedding

The wedding begins with the Roka or Sagai when the families agree on the match. The families meet and exchange gifts, sweets and dry fruits. The elders bless the couple. A priest fixes a lucky date for the wedding.

In Pithi, turmeric paste is applied to the bride and groom at their homes. The women of the family apply the paste with songs. The ritual is done for a few days before the wedding. It is believed to make the skin glow and to bring good luck.

Mehndi is applied to the bride and women of the family, with songs and dance. The henna designs are detailed and beautiful. The women of the family also dance in the evenings. The night is full of fun.

In the Bhaat or Mayra ritual, the maternal uncle brings gifts for the family. The uncle and his family arrive with music and drums. They bring clothes, jewelry and sweets. It is a proud moment for the uncle, and it shows his love for his sister and her family.

The Wedding Day

On the wedding day, the groom arrives in a Barat, riding a horse or sometimes an elephant. The Barat comes with a band, camels and dancers. It is a grand and colourful sight. The people of the city come to see the procession. In some royal weddings, the groom wears a royal dress and rides in a decorated carriage.

The groom touches the Toran at the bride’s gate. This is a fun and old custom. The bride’s family waits at the gate to welcome the groom. The women of the family sing songs and tease him in a friendly way.

The couple exchanges garlands in Jaimala, and the priest performs Kanyadaan and the pheras. The bride’s father gives away his daughter with a full heart. In the pheras, the couple takes rounds around the holy fire and makes promises to each other. The bride says goodbye in the Vidaai ceremony. Her family blesses her, and she leaves for the groom’s home.

Clothes and Jewelry

The groom wears a sherwani, a colourful turban and often carries a sword. The sword is a sign of bravery, and it is an old Rajput custom. The bride wears a Poshak or a lehenga with a Leheriya or Bandhej scarf. The Poshak is a traditional Rajasthani dress. The Leheriya has wavy stripes and the Bandhej has small dots. Both are tie-dyed cloths from Rajasthan. She wears gold jewelry, and a Borla, which is a round ornament for the forehead.

Food, Music and Fun

The feast has Dal Baati Churma and sweets like Ghevar. The meals are rich and served with plenty of ghee. Many dishes are made with gram flour, lentils and wheat. Weddings are often held in palaces and lakeside hotels. The palace halls are decorated with flowers and lights. Folk music and dance add to the joy. The local Ghoomar dance is performed by women in colourful skirts. A Mewari wedding is a royal celebration, full of heritage and beauty.