Kashi Yatra To Kalichdi: Know The Culturally Unique Wedding Rituals Across India

Weddings all over the world are often steeped in traditions that have been passed down for generations. While many of these traditions are widely recognised, there are also countless culturally unique wedding rituals that are lesser-known but equally fascinating. These rituals often reflect the deep cultural heritage and beliefs of the communities they come from, and they offer a glimpse into the rich diversity of wedding customs around the world.

As we are almost nearing the end of the wedding season for the time, let’s explore some of these lesser-known wedding rituals from different cultures across the country, shedding light on their significance and symbolism.

Significance of Fish In Bengali Weddings

From annaprashan to weddings and even funerals (matsamukhi), fish plays a significant role in Bengali rituals. I have always heard my mother and grandmothers say that Bengalis consider fish to be very auspicious and they insist on feeding me fish every morning before a journey or an important day. They say that since the wedding is a very important and auspicious day and starts off one of the important journeys of our life, fish is sent in a tatta (wedding gifts exchanged between families) as a sign of good luck, well wishes and happiness. Some say fish resembles prosperity and the inflow of wealth and materials. Others believe that the fish is decked up as a bride to resemble the bride, her married life, and also symbolises fertility.

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Kalichdi In Punjabi Weddings

While we are acquainted with the Kalira ritual at Punjabi weddings, where the umbrella-shaped ornaments are shredded off on the unmarried sisters and friends. It is believed that whoever receives a piece of the bride’s kalira will get married the soonest. However, the other unique custom we are unaware of is the Kalichdi ritual. In this, the groom gifts a gold or diamond or silver ring to the sister of the bride (jiju ki saali).

Joota Chori In North Indian Wedding Ritual

One of the most famous wedding rituals prevalent in the Northern states of India is the joota chori (stealing shoes) ritual, where the sisters and friends of the bride steal the groom’s shoes and demand money in return.

Saptapadi In Bengali Wedding

In this ritual, the groom helps his wife touch seven betel nuts with her right toe while they make seven vows. Betel is regarded as a holy plant in India. The bride is then carried out by her brothers after seven married women from the bride's family approach them and whisper blessings in her right ear.

Kashi Yatra In Andhra/Telugu Wedding

In this entertaining ceremony, the groom pretends to depart and reject the marriage until the bride's father and brother stop him and persuade him to marry the daughter of the family.

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Nagamese/Nagaland’s Ao Community’s Wedding Ritual

Not only in the Ao tribe, but several communities in the Northeastern states and even in North Bengal also follow this particular unique wedding ritual. A family from the boy's village adopts the bride-to-be because the bride and the groom come from separate communities. This is an example of an indigenous ritual. This gives the girl stability, allowing her to feel comfortable in a strange nation and giving her a new family to love. In addition, Tembar, who will be the bride-to-be's best friend and companion until death as well as her bridesmaid, is handed to the Ao. The groom's family makes these preparations for a new family and a Tembar long before the wedding.