The Role of Music in Kolkata Weddings

A Kolkata wedding is a grand celebration of culture, emotions, and traditions. Attire, rituals, and décor play an important role, but it is the music that really brings the festivities to life. From soulful Bengali folk songs to high-energy Bollywood dance numbers, music is a crucial part of every stage of a Kolkata wedding. Whether played live by traditional musicians or through curated playlists at modern receptions, music sets the mood, evokes nostalgia, and strengthens the emotional connection between families.

The Melodic Journey of a Bengali Wedding

A Bengali marriage in Kolkata is not exactly an event lasting just one day, but several rituals, which give a meaning and musical to the ceremony as every stage in marriage, beginning with Aiburo Bhaat (a feast before going into marriage), is accompanied with songs that create feelings of joy during the course.

Pre Wedding Functions: Aiburo Bhaat and Ashirbad

The couple has their last supper as singles a day before the wedding, a ritual known as Aiburo Bhaat. People used to sing aged Bengali songs, mostly of Tagore during this moment to celebrate this shift. Ashirbad is always accompanied by a soft spiritual rendition of music mostly played in the background when elderly people bless the couple.

Wedding Rituals: Traditional Mix with Modern Trends

The Gaye Holud (turmeric ceremony) is lively with traditional folk songs and playful banter. Women belonging to the family sing the “Gaaye Holud Song”, which is passed down generations, with turmeric applied on the bride and groom. The songs of recent years added by Bollywood and Tollywood have created this event very cheerful.

The Bor Boron (welcoming of the groom) is usually accompanied by rhythmic blowing of conch shells and ulu dhwani (a high-pitched sound made by women), which gives an aura of divine celebration. Traditional Shehnai or Flute music usually plays in the background when the groom arrives.

During the actual wedding rituals, instrumental versions of Rabindra Sangeet (Rabindranath Tagore’s songs) or Nazrul Geeti (songs by Kazi Nazrul Islam) are played to give a peaceful and spiritual feel. Some families even hire classical musicians to perform live, keeping the tradition alive.

The Reception and Bidaai: Emotional and Joyous Melodies

The wedding reception in Kolkata is a grand affair where live bands or DJs play a mix of Bollywood, Tollywood, and Western music. However, certain Bengali wedding songs remain timeless, such as “Sohag Chand Bodoni Dhoni”, which describes the beauty of the bride.

The most emotional part of it is the Bidaai, when the bride is leaving her parental home. Often Rabindra Sangeet classics like “Bhalobeshe Sakhi” or modern Bengali songs with sentimental lyrics may bring tears to the eyes of every single person present. Mothers and relatives, in many families, also sing the traditional farewell songs to wish an emotional adieu.

The Contemporary Touch: DJs, Fusion Music, and Personalization

Kolkata weddings have evolved over the years, embracing a mix of traditional and contemporary musical elements. Today, it is common to see DJs playing a fusion of Bengali folk music with EDM beats, creating a unique experience for the younger generation. Some couples even curate their own wedding playlists, ensuring their favorite songs are played at every key moment.

Live bands and singers have also gained popularity at the wedding reception with a mix of old Bengali classics and modern chartbusters. Baul singers, who specialize in soulful folk music, are sometimes called in to give an authentic Bengali flavor to the celebrations.
Conclusion

Music in the weddings of Kolkata is more than just entertainment-it’s a language of emotions, a tradition, and celebration. Be it the soul-stirring Rabindra Sangeet for rituals, joyous folk tunes for pre-wedding ceremonies, or electrifying beats at the reception, every beat enters the wedding memory book. Kolkata weddings are evolving, and music remains at the heartbeat of the functions, connecting generations and making every moment magical.