Chhattisgarhi Pre-Wedding Rituals

A Chhattisgarhi wedding is a 4 to 5 day affair. The rituals followed in the marriage represent the belief of the people of the state. Various gods and goddesses are worshiped on the day of the marriage in the house of the groom and the bride. The bridegroom should always be older than the bride. Marriages are always celebrated during the months of Magh and Phagun.

Marriage proposal

The boy's parents and relatives go to the girl’s house with their proposal. The girl's parent serves them a delicious meal. After that they get seated and start talking about marriage proposal in the best possible or ideal way. In Chhattisgarh it is a tradition to speak neither too slow, nor in too hurry. It is called 'Saga-Neti talk'. The boy’s parents keep the proposal in a calm and polite manner.

Sagai or Faldan

If the girl’s parents accept the proposal then a date is fixed for engagement. It is also called 'Panch Piye Pindhan'.The wedding clothes and jewellery are given to the girl. It is a custom that the girl has to wear the dress presented to her by their in-laws and come to the hall where the guests are seated. It is done to show that the girl is now in very good condition physically & mentally. After that a date of marriage is fixed. The boy’s party has to give the pre estimated amount of rice to the girl party.

Haldi Ceremony

This ceremony is conducted separately in the house of the groom and the bride. A paste of rice and urad daal is prepared. It is applied on the bodies of boy and girl. Next they are made to take a bath. After the bath a paste made of boiled turmeric is applied. Due to application of the paste the skin of the bride and groom becomes more vibrant & radiant. In addition to that a 'paan leaf ' is tied up on the bride’s leg. A 'kakan maur' is ties on the groom's forehead. It is made of bamboo flakes & colored papers.

Fertilising action of rain

The bridegroom’s father sends a present of a bracelet and seven small earthen cups to the bride. She is seated in the open, and seven women hold the cups over her head one above the other. Water is then poured from above from one cup into the other, each being filled in turn and the whole finally falling on the bride’s head. This probably symbolises the fertilising action of rain.

Erection of Mandap

A four pillar mandap is erected which is made up of bamboo and it is covered by fabric at the top. It is the place where all rituals of marriage take place.

Feeding the Groom

On the wedding day before the barat proceeds to the bride's house the groom's mother feed him with gur and water. It is a ritual that the groom can't take a meal during the wedding day.

Welcoming the Groom

In Chhattisgarh the groom gets a warm welcome and the famous welcome song 'Baratiya padharin' is sung to show the respect to the groom. The groom is worshiped by the priest at the welcome gate.