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Sindhi wedding rituals

Indian culture and heritage uphold the sanctity of the institution of marriage with the richness of its traditions. Through countless generations, the wedding knot has defined the very concept of ‘family’ in Indian culture and social communities. Marriages in India not only represent the maternal union of the bride and groom, but also the communion of their souls. Marriage represents the virtues of faith, trust, and loyalty.

The occasion is thus celebrated and retired by the near and distant relatives of the families concerned. It is an event of great joy and revelry.

Originally from Sapt Sindhu, the Sindhu River area, the Sindhi are basically Sanatani Hindus and do not strictly follow Hindu rites. Sindhi weddings are mainly based on Vedic rites. Sindhi wedding rituals reflect glimpses of Hinduism and Sufism. Their marriages are often a lavish affair, characterized by great pomp and pageantry. In the community, there are special priests known as Mehraj, who specialize in matchmaking and a Guryanni, who is entitled to the task of bearing the horoscopes of eligible boys and girls within the community.

Sindhi weddings are usually held on an auspicious day like Satyanarayan Chandsi or New Moon day. Joy and fun begin within the family immediately after the families of the bride and groom agree to their union. Sindhi weddings exemplify extreme grandeur and magnificence.

Sindhi wedding rituals made up of interesting pre-wedding, wedding and post-wedding customs. Janya, Kachchi Misri, Pakki Misri, Berana satsang, Mehendi, Santh, Saagri tradition and Ghari Puja pre-wedding rituals create an atmosphere of joy and celebrations.

These customs are succeeded by the Thread Ceremony, in which turmeric powder and oil are applied to the Sindhi bride and groom in their respective homes. From then on, they are not allowed to leave the house. This is followed by the traditional custom of Swagatam, in which the groom is brought to the bride’s place. At the entrance to the house, the groom places his right foot on the foot of the bride. This gesture means the dominant force of him. Thereafter, he enters the house of the bride. The bride’s brother washes the bride’s and groom’s feet with milk and water, considering the groom to be a form of Lord Vishnu.

Then follows the Hathialo tradition, in which the groom’s handkerchief is tied to the bride’s sari, after which the wedding ceremony follows. The bride and groom go around the sacred fire four times while the priest recites verses from the Holy Scriptures.

The groom brings the bride’s hand to his forehead. This gesture indicates that he accepts her as the better half of her life. The heads of the bride and groom are then held together. It represents that from now on, you are one in body, mind and spirit.

The Sindhi wedding culminates with the observance of the Kanya Daan ritual, in which the bride’s parents hand her over to the groom.

The post-wedding customs of Vidai, Datar, Chanar/Dev Uthana, Sataurah further magnify the splendor and extravagance of the marriage ceremony.

Marriage is therefore ritually performed in the Sindhi community as one of the most sacred and solemn customs of their sect.

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