Rajasthani Wedding

The Land and the People

Rajasthani weddings are held in Rajasthan, in northwest India. They take place in cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer and Bikaner. Rajasthan is a land of deserts, forts, palaces and colourful markets. It is known as the land of kings, and its history is full of brave stories.

Many couples from other states also choose palaces in Rajasthan for their weddings. The weddings show the royal Rajput style. They are known for grand celebrations, rich colours and warm hospitality. The people of Rajasthan love music, dance and colour, and every wedding is a festival.

How Long the Wedding Lasts

A Rajasthani wedding usually takes three to seven days. Royal weddings can take a full week. There are many functions, and each has its own rituals and songs. The families invite many guests, and they take great care to make them comfortable.

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. It is a sign that the wedding will take place.

Ganesh Puja is done to begin the celebrations. The family prays to Lord Ganesha and asks him to remove all problems. The priest chants mantras. The family offers sweets to the god. It is a holy start to the wedding.

Pithi and Mehndi are held for the bride and groom, with songs and dance. The women of the family apply turmeric paste on the bride and groom. Henna designs are drawn on the hands and feet of the bride. The women sing songs and dance in the evenings.

In the Bhaat or Mayra ritual, the maternal uncle brings gifts for the family. The uncle and his family arrive with music. They bring clothes, jewelry and sweets. It is an important ritual, and it shows the love of the mother’s family.

The Wedding Day

On the wedding day, the groom arrives in a Barat, riding a horse, a camel or an elephant. The Barat is a grand and colourful sight. There are drums, bands, dancers and decorated animals. The people of the city come to see the procession.

He touches the Toran at the bride’s gate with a stick. This is an old custom. The groom uses a stick or a sword to touch the arch. It is a fun and playful ritual. The women of the bride’s family sing songs and tease him.

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

Clothes and Jewelry

The groom wears a sherwani with a colourful turban and a sword. The turban is called a Safa, and it is tied in a special style. The bride wears a Poshak or a heavy lehenga with gold jewelry. The Poshak is a long skirt, a blouse and a scarf. The dress is often red, pink or orange, and it is decorated with gold thread. The bride wears a Borla, a necklace, earrings and bangles.

Food, Music and Fun

Folk music and dance, like Ghoomar, add to the joy. Ghoomar is a dance performed by women in long, swirling skirts. The music is played with the dholak, the harmonium and the sarangi. The feast has Dal Baati Churma, Laal Maas and sweets like Ghevar. Laal Maas is a spicy red meat curry. Many Rajasthani families serve only vegetarian dishes. The food is rich, and it is served with plenty of ghee. A Rajasthani wedding is a royal and colourful festival.