Mizo Wedding

The Land and the People

Mizo weddings are held by the Mizo people in Mizoram, in the north-east of India. The main city is Aizawl. Mizoram is a land of green hills, bamboo forests and misty valleys. The people are known for their politeness, their helpful nature and their love of music.

Some Mizo families also live in Assam, Manipur and Tripura. Most Mizo people are Christians, so most weddings are held in the church. Old Mizo customs are also kept alive in many ways. The church has a big part in the life of the community, and it plays a big part in the wedding.

How Long the Wedding Lasts

A Mizo wedding usually takes one to two days. The church wedding and the feast are often held on the same day. Before that, the families spend time in talks and planning. The wedding is a happy community event, and many friends and neighbours attend.

Before the Wedding

In the old days, young men and women met in a courtship custom called Nula Rim. Nula Rim was a time when young men visited the homes of young women in the evening. They sat and talked, sang songs and got to know each other. Today, the young people meet at school, in church and at work, and the old custom is not common.

When the families were ready to talk, the groom’s family sent a go-between called a Palal. The Palal is a respected person who visits the bride’s home. He carries the message of the groom’s family and speaks with the bride’s family. He is polite and skilled in words.

The families then agreed on the match and on a small bride price. In old times, this bride price was called Manpui. It was a gift to the bride’s family, and it was a sign of respect. It was kept small, and it was not seen as payment for the bride. Today, the customs may vary in different families.

The Wedding Day

On the wedding day, the couple exchanges vows and rings in the church. The bride and groom stand before the pastor. Their families sit on both sides. The bride is often walked to the altar by her father. The church is decorated with flowers.

The pastor blesses the couple in front of family and friends. He speaks about love, faith and family. The couple promises to love and care for each other. The guests pray for the couple.

Songs by the church choir are a big part of the service. The Mizo people love to sing, and the church choir sings with a rich voice. The songs are hymns in the Mizo language. After the church service, the guests join a wedding feast.

Clothes and Jewelry

The bride often wears a white gown, and the groom wears a suit. In some weddings, the bride also wears the colourful Mizo dress, called Puanchei. The Puanchei is a bright wrap-around skirt in red, green, yellow and white stripes. It is woven by hand. It is a proud symbol of the Mizo culture. She may also wear a necklace of beads.

Food, Music and Fun

The feast has rice, pork, vegetables and local dishes. A popular dish is Bai, a stew of vegetables and meat. The food is simple, boiled and fresh. Guests are served warmly and there is a lot of music. Young people play guitars and sing songs. In some weddings, there is a dance too. A Mizo wedding is warm and filled with faith, music and friendship.