Insight to a proper kolkata wedding

A Bengali Wedding often referred to as ‘Biye ’is quite a visual treat. A host of deep, meaningful rituals seeped in culture and tradition are performed amidst riot of colourfully elegant and immensely creative decorations. The Bengali weddings are celebrations of colour, camaraderie and beauty above all else. They forgo the showing off, keeping the roots firmly on traditional elements. They are elaborate affairs with celebrations spanning for 2-3 days from morning till night. Wedding sutra – the best wedding planners of kolkata is now going to take you into the deeper dive of the pre wedding rituals of any Bengali wedding. Paka Katha or Pati PotroThis ritual refers to a formal meeting between the elders of the bride’s and groom’s families to formally agree on the different facets of the marriage. Paka Dekha is the term used by the Ghotis while Pati Potro happens among the Bangalis.AiburobhatThis is sort of a version of Bridal shower which takes place on the afternoon or night before the wedding day. Generally, close friends and relatives gather at the bride’s house and shower her with gifts. Then she is treated to an elaborate feast with rice, fish and several vegetable dishes. This is said to be her last meal as a spinster. A similar ritual is observed at the groom’s place where he takes his last meal as a bachelor.Sankha Porano In some traditions the bride is made to wear traditional Bengali symbols of marital bliss, the Sankha which is bangle made from Conch Shells, and Pola Bangles made from red Corals, on the evening before the wedding day. .Dodhi Mangal The bride and the groom are fed with a mixture made of sweet curd, rice flakes, banana and sweets like sandesh in copious quantity before sunrise. This is their last meal of the day as they would have to fast until the wedding rituals are complete. Birddhi Puja The father or other male relative of both bride and groom perform this ritual in their respective homes. Sanskrit hymns are chanted and offering are made to the past seven generations of paternal ancestor to appease their souls and seek their blessings.Gaye Holud and TattwaA turmeric paste made from grinding fresh turmeric with mustard oil is applied on the groom’s body by his mother and other married female relatives. He is then bathed with the water procured in the morning. The remaining turmeric paste is put in a silver bowl and sent to the bride’s place along with her entire trousseau a simple outfit to be worn during the Gaye Holud and a whole Rohu fish. The Gaye Holud is then performed at the bride’s place in a similar fashion to the grooms.