Pre-wedding Rituals In Marathi Matrimonial
We all know that India is a land of cultural diversity, which incorporates a number of communities having different cultural values. Amongst all the regional communities in India, wedding rituals in Marathi matrimonial are simplest. However, the customs vary according to the caste of the residents.
Alike other communities, Maharashtrians are also specific about selecting the life partner for their children. Parents prefer to choose the bride and groom for the children themselves, as they believe that the choice made by the elders is always best. Maharastrians are specific about choosing the bride and groom from the same caste they belong to, and the match must be of equal standing. However, with changing trends and respecting the feelings of their children, parents in Maharashtra are also accepting inter-caste marriages in Marathi matrimonial
After finalizing the match, horoscopes are matched, as the Maharastrian community is very specific about this matter. Family pundits match the compatibility of the stars. This custom is known as Guna Milan, and it is important that 16 Gunas must match for the boy and girl to tie the knot. After the horoscopes are matched, the elders of both the families meet and discuss the issues such as date, time, venue, etc.
The pre-wedding ceremonies in a Marathi matrimonial are:
Sakharpuda
Kelvan
Haldi
Chuda
Muhurta patra
1.Sakharpuda
Also known as engagement ceremony, Sakharpuda is held some days before the wedding. The bride-to-be is given sari as a token of love and acceptance from the family of groom-to-be. Green bangles and a sugar packet are given to the bride, symbolizing the engagement. Sakharpuda is the official announcement of the Marathi matrimonial and wedding invitation cards are printed after it.
2.Kelvan
It is a kind of feast, which is organized at homes of both bride and groom. Relatives and friends are formally invited to join the meal hosted by the families.
3.Haldi
Haldi is another special Maharashtrian custom, where celebrations are conducted at their homes. Mixture of turmeric, mixed with aromatic oils, cream is applied on the face, and other body parts of the bride and groom to make their skin glow. The bride and groom are then given a bath with sacred water. Both the bride and groom are barred to step out of the house after Haldi ceremony.
4.Chuda
During the Chuda ceremony, the bride and her relatives and friends wear green bangles, amidst a fun-filled environment, where women sing wedding songs, and enjoy the custom. The green bangles are mixed and matched with gold or pearl bangles. The bride is allowed to remove the Chuda only after 1 month of the wedding. Green is the sign of rejuvenation and freshness, so it is widely adopted in Maharastrian culture, which can be seen in the decoration of the wedding venue, and dressing of the bride and groom.
The marriage ceremony in Marathi matrimonial starts only after a Muhurta Patra is set up. The Muhurta Patra is set to measure the time for counting the auspicious moments of the marriage. The water filled in the Muhurta Patra measures the drops of water falling down from the Patra. Meanwhile, the bride dresses in a yellow or green sari. The specific sign of a Marathi bride is a half moon bindi on her forehead. The half moon signifies good luck and prosperity, and is a symbolic representation of worshipping of goddess Parvati.
The wedding rituals are very elaborate and need some special consideration. This article aims towards giving an idea about the pre-wedding rituals in Marathi matrimonial.
Important Information Your Wedding Photographer Should Tell You
Getting spectacular photos for one of the most special days in your life will depend on doing research and choosing the right professional for the job.
So, how will you recognise the right wedding photographer who will create the most amazing pictures for you? Ease of communication with your photographer will be one important factor in ensuring your happiness on the day. Here are some other essential bits of information that your wedding photographer should also provide you.
Cost of Getting to the Location
Regardless of their professional location, wedding photographers will often be willing to travel. You need to get a good idea about the mileage costs that you will have to deal with.
Make sure you are getting a specific figure right from the start. Hidden costs could be a snag in your wedding planning, and an unpleasant surprise. A good professional is going to give you all of the details that you need to make up your mind. Transparency is essential, especially when it comes to pricing policy.
Style
What kind of style are you looking for? Do you want to get romantic black and white photographs? Are you interested in staging something or do you want the pictures to appear natural?
Talk to the photographer about your preferences and (if possible) keep (well-meaning) relatives out of the discussion.
Everybody has some idea when it comes to the aesthetics of the wedding album. However there is also a famous saying that -too many chefs spoil the broth-. The final decision is and should solely be yours to make.
1. Discuss ideas with the photographer that you are interested in working with.
2. Take a look at their portfolio and ask questions in advance.
3. A good photographer should be able to provide ideas and suggestions that will make the original concept even more spectacular.
4. You could also get detailed information about the pros and possible shortcomings of the photography style that you are interested in (giving you a balanced perspective) so you can make the best decision.
Number of Photos
A reputable wedding photographer should also give you a good idea about the number of wedding photos you can expect.
You could also inquire about the number of hours that the photographer will be working and the number of photographs these hours could translate into. In the beginning, it may seem like a really big figure. You may hear something like 400 or 500 photographs.
But consider the pre ceremony, the ceremony itself, the reception and also the photo session you are going to have with your significant other. You will probably need several hundred photographs to capture all of those special moments!
Types of Products Available
Finally, you should discuss personalisation possibilities. Reputable wedding photographers will consult you on the best wedding album style. They will also suggest the creation of personalised products such as thank-you cards or wedding favours for your guests.
You need all of this information to get an accurate idea about the amount you will need to spend on wedding photography and the results you are going to get.
Talk to your wedding photographer about the costs, the style of preference, the need for the provision of props and the number of photographs that you want. Make sure that your idea is understood and that the photographer will be willing to capture your special day bearing your requests in mind.
Author:
Richard Galloway is an award-winning professional photographer and considered one of the best wedding photographers in Surrey. With over 7 years experience, he specialises in -story-telling- wedding photography commonly known as Reportage.
Visit: http://www.gallowayphotography.uk.com
www.gallowayphotography.uk.com
Or call for a no obligation discussion: 01252 835 981
[Top]Patola Silk Sarees Look Different
The Patola Silk Sarees are one of the finest varieties of handloom silk saree from Gujrat. Patola means queen of silks and the sarees are woven with great clarity and precision making it well known all over the world for highly delicate patterns. Depending on the complexity of design and length, a patola saree may take 4-6 months for completion. Woven by master weavers on a special type of silk called patola silk, geometric designs with folk motifs and flaming colors are characteristic features of patola sarees. Each patola saree reflects the skill and imagination of the weaver and is exclusive by nature. Patan and Surat are famous destinations of patola sarees.
Way back in 12 th century some salvi weavers from Karnataka and Maharashtra arrived at Patan and with the patronage from royal and affluent people of Gujrat the art of patola sarees flourished. The sarees became symbol of status and part of wedding brocade dresses and from then on are regarded as best pure silk bridal wear. Depending on the pattern of weaving there are two types of patola sarees – Rajokot patola and Patan patola. While the Rajkot sarees are single ikkat and vertically resist dyed, the Patan variety is double ikkat pattern and horizontally resist dyed. The double ikkat type of weaving is perhaps the most intricate type of textile weaving in the whole world. Both sides of the saree have the same design and can be draped in either way making it unique combination of art silk sarees and printed silk saris.
Simple traditional handlooms are used for weaving and the dyes are natural colors, extracted from vegetable. Animals, flowers, human figures and birds give the basic design. Nowadays chemical dyes are also used to make some geometrical designs. Some ikat sarees are enriched with kundan and zardosi sequins for special occasions. The typical feature of the fabric is the brocade like heavy texture. The pallavs or anchals are elaborate and the dazzling borders are adorned with warm colors and rich motifs.
The double ikat sarees with motifs of parrots, flowers, elephants and dancing figures are primarily used by Jains and Hindus as wedding brocade dresses. Geometric and floral designs are preferred by Muslim communities like Vora as they regard it best pure silk bridal wear. Plain dark colored body with motifs of women and bird are special variety of patola sarees cherished by Maharashtrian Brahmins and known as Nari Kunj.
Patola sarees have evolved from the days of Sultanate and royals and confinement of Gujrat to be acclaimed as one of the finest piece of fabric and work of art that is a treasure collection especially for women all over the world. Handloom silk saree and khadi silk apparels from India has their own appeal to various class of people allover the world as they are used by various fashion designers as base for their work. It was very difficult to get hold of an original patola saree as they are woven by handful of weavers and are not abundant as Indian south silk sarees or printed silk saris. However, with the arrival of various online shopping portals, finding a patola saree has become easier. These portals have huge collection of traditional brocade sarees and special patola sarees with zardosi or kundan sequins and even offer matching blouse piece.
[Top]Marathi Wedding Customs
Like all wedding celebrations in India, Marathi matrimonial functions go for a number of days. Most of the weddings in Marathi are grand and has several rituals that begin several days before the actual wedding day. According to Marathi matrimonial, many rituals happen before and after the wedding day. Alliances for Marathi matrimony were earlier searched with the help of village priests or relatives, but now matrimonial websites are becoming popular to find the bride or groom for Marathi community.
The main wedding rituals happen in the morning though some happens in the afternoon too. All depends on the muhurat, which is the auspicious time to tie the knot according to Hindu rites. One common muhurat or auspicious time is when cows return in the morning after grazing fields. This muhurat is known as Goraj Muhurta. As a custom, no Hindu Marathi matrimonial takes place in the night.
Some common rituals before the day of wedding in Marathi custom are Sakhar Puda, Kelvan, and Kuldevta. Horoscope of girl and boy are matched. The family astrologer matches the horoscopes and checks compatibility issues. With all things sorted, the families gets ready for wedding celebrations. The Sakhar Puda ritual, boy and girl have a piece of gur (jaggery). This is similar to engagement in other communities of India. The boys parents present the girl with traditional sari and green bangles. The bride to be wears the green bangles. Once this ritual is completed, both the families sends wedding invitation cards to relatives and friends.
Kelvan ritual is a happy time when both the families meet at the bride to be house and enjoy a feast of traditional Marathi cuisine. This family get together happens two-three days before the wedding day.
Like all Hindu community-wedding rituals, a prayer offering to Hindu deities is necessary before beginning of anything. Even in Marathi matrimony customs, the families worship the Hindu gods and seek their blessings.
Wedding day activities in a Marathi matrimonial involves several small and big rituals. There is the Haldi ceremony where the bride and groom is applied a paste of turmeric, cream, sandalwood and scented oil. With the help of mango leaves, this paste is applied in all over the body. Then both the bride and groom are given a ritual bath.
Another wedding day ritual is the Seemant Puja where the family members of groom visit the brides house and they have delicious lunch of local delicacies.
The priest who chants Mangalashtakas which are holy verses to seel blessing of Hindu gods and goddess, conducts the wedding ceremony. Family members and close relatives are present during the rituals. At the end of each verse, the priest explains the meaning of verse to the gathering of people. The groom ties the mangalsutra along the brides neck and then both of them exchange garlands. Another common ritual in Marathi matrimonial wedding is the saptapadi, where the bride and groom encircles the holy fire.
Other wedding days rituals are Laxmi Pooja and Kanyadaan (Jhal Phirwane).
The post wedding Marathi matrimony rituals are Sun Mukh Baghne, where for the first time the grooms mother see her new daughter in law s face. She combs her hair. This is symbolic and implies that they should have a relation like mother-daughter. No wedding is complete without wedding dinner.
[Top]Cheap Candy Wedding Favors
Cheap candy wedding favors? Yes, that is what many brides want, and you may, too. You want your wedding reception to be memorable, but you are trying to be financially responsible. You want to give candy wedding favors to thank guests for helping you make your day special, but you don’t want to spend as much on the candy wedding favors as guests spend on the gifts they will give. You want a cheap price, but you don’t want to appear too cheap.
Traditional Candy Wedding Favors
Cheap candy wedding favors can be traditional, even though you get lower prices. Jordan Almonds are a traditional wedding candy. The almonds, hidden in a candy shell, are meant to represent the sweetness and bitterness every marriage experiences. The sweet candy coating is supposed to be stronger than the bitterness of the nut inside, reminding that there should be more sweetness than bitterness in marriage. You may use all white Jordan Almonds, white with a pastel that matches your wedding color scheme, or a pastel mix.
Buy Jordan Almonds in bulk, wrap them yourself, and you will have a candy wedding favor for cheap prices. The Jelly Belly store online sells 10 pounds, about 1,100 Jordan Almonds, for $72. Since most candy wedding favors offer just 6 Jordan Almonds, 10 pounds should be enough for 180 guests, making your candy price per guest about $0.40. Tulle and ribbon for wrapping the candy will add a few cents, but you should be able to keep the price of your candy wedding favor under $.50 each.
Cheap candy wedding favors can be Peach Jordan Almonds, too. These go well with a peach or orange color scheme. At Bulk Foods website, you can buy 10 pounds, about 950 of these larger almonds covered in a sweet orange shell, for $48.50. This would provide candy wedding favors for 150 guests, making your candy price per guest about $.032. With the tulle and ribbon, your candy wedding favor price will be well under $0.50 each.
Chocolate Candy Wedding Favors
Andes Crme De Menthe chocolate candies make a nice candy wedding favor for cheap prices. Bulk Foods offers these small rectangles in bright green paper. Place three mints in a small square of white tulle, and tie with a white ribbon for cheap candy wedding favors. You can get enough Andes Crme De Menthe chocolate candies for 150 guests for about $22, making your candy price per guest about $0.15. If you don’t want to make bags, you can purchase discount organza bags online for $0.19 each. You can go up to 4 or 5 mints in a dainty organza bad, and your candy wedding favor price will still be under $0.50 each.
Hershey Kisses are another possibility for cheap candy wedding favors. You can order them in bulk in all silver wrappers, place 5 in a bit of tulle, and tie with ribbon for an elegant candy wedding favor. Or choose one of the special color combinations. Hershey offers:
* Almond Kisses “traditional” candy wedding favors wrapped in gold foil
* Red/Silver Kisses in red and silver foil with love-sayings strips
* Pastel Kisses in pink, fuchsia, silver, pastel blue and green foils
* Autumn Kisses in silver, gold, brown, and red foil
* Holiday Kisses in red, green, and silver foil
Hershey kisses of any color can be wrapped in white tulle and tied with ribbon to match your color scheme. Or use cheap plastic holders, available at party stores. This will make another candy wedding favor for cheap prices.
Tips for Cheap Candy Wedding Favors
Cheap candy wedding favors, already packaged, can be found on some wedding favor websites. Cheap is, of course, a relative term, and what seems cheap to one person will not be so to another.
The best low budget way to have candy wedding favors for cheap prices is to create the favors yourself, perhaps with the help of family or bridesmaids.
Buy your candy in bulk at a wholesale store online. If your candy order totals $50 or more, shipping will usually be free.
Buy small organza bags or tulle and ribbon at a discount wedding favor website. Choose colors according to your wedding color scheme and the candy color or wrapper.
Create your candy wedding favors 2 weeks before the wedding, and store them in a cool, clean place.
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