5 Most Fun Pre-Wedding Rituals Celebrated Across India

A glance at the pre-wedding rituals celebrated across India.

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Indian weddings go beyond extravagant decorations, delectable delicacies and syncronised dancing. Essentially, Indians believe that marriage is a veritable union of two like-minded souls and that the institution fosters a bond between two families for a lifetime. The scale of grandeur of Indian weddings is perhaps unparalleled and this of course is no secret. On an average, Indian parents spend up to one-third of their life savings on their children’s weddings – that obviously can’t just last a day! Weddings in India last up to five days, if not more. Different regions across the nation have numerous castes and sub-castes that in turn have their own quaint little rituals and ceremonies.

From food to entertainment, from clothing to flowers, there’s much preparation and anticipation that revolves around a couple’s wedding day. Subscribing to tradition, most Hindu families invest equal time and attention on planning the engagement and other pre-wedding ceremonies. Interestingly, these pre-wedding rituals are wide and varied – no two communities share the exact rituals. Moreover, while some pre wedding ceremonies entail large gatherings of friends and well-wishers, others are more private and intimate affairs. Essentially, these rituals are also an excuse for both the families to bond with each other. It will not be an exaggeration to say that at times these moments of pre-wedding rituals become more memorable than the actual wedding day. Here is a glimpse of some of the pre-wedding rituals that are practised in various Indian states.

Punjab - Maiya

Maiya or vatna is a cleansing/purification ceremony undertaken for the soon to-be bride and groom. It is conducted at their respective homes in the presence of family and friends just two or three days before the wedding.