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Bengali Culture and Post Wedding Rituals
Bengal is known for the rich heritage and culture. The marriage is not uncommon and untouched of special rituals. It accommodates in it many rituals and customs that are performed before marriage, during marriage and after marriage. Here are some common post-wedding rituals observed by people of Bengali community:
1. Vidaai
Marriage is the union of two souls and they are expected to live together thereafter. So, after…
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marriage, the bride leaves her parental home. Vidaai is a very sentimental moment for all present there. It is the start of new life for both – the bride and the groom. Though there are tearful eyes of everyone, there is happiness in heart too. The rice is thrown by bride on the way at the time of Vidaai.
2. Basar Ghar
There is a grand welcome of bride at groom's home. She doesn’t keep her feet on the hard earth…
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Bengali Culture and Post Wedding Rituals
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Firstly, she has to dip her feet in a utensil (thali) containing Alta (a red colouring agent) and milk. Then she is allowed to keep her foot on the earth. Due to colour of her feet, her footprints are marked on the surface. She is gifted by her mother-in-law the iron bangles indicating her marital status.
3. Bashi Biye
This ritual is of application of vermilion by the bridegroom on his bride's forehead on the very next day morning of marriage. Then…
Bengali Culture and Post Wedding Rituals
both the bride and groom visit the local temple for sun god in the presence of a priest.
4. Bou Baran
This ritual is observed in Bengali community along with Basar Ghar. When the new couple – the bride and groom reach the groom’s house, they are welcomed by the family members by showering blessings.
5. Bahubhaat and Bharan Poushan
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Bengali Culture and Post Wedding Rituals
This is the ritual of making food for the first time by the newly wed bride. On the day of this ritual, the newlywed bride is gifted sari, sweets and money in a plate by her husband. The husband also states that he will take of her throughout the life and all her basic needs will be fulfilled. The newly wed bride cooks rice and serves that to the family members of her husband. From that day, she becomes the part of that family.
6. Kaal Ratri
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Bengali Culture and Post Wedding Rituals
It is the night not supposed good for both bride and groom. It is observed on the second night of the marriage. The groom and bride are expected to pass their time separately and they are not even supposed to look at each other.
7. Dira Gaman
This is the ritual of Bengali bride visiting her parental home after the marriage. At the time of marriage, a sacred thread which is tied on the wrist of the groom is now cut. The female members of bride’s…
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Bengali Culture and Post Wedding Rituals
family blow conch shells on this occasion.
8. Phool Shojja
Normally this is the last ritual of marriage among Bengali community. The bedroom of the groom is decorated with flowers of different varieties and then the bride and groom are allowed to stay together for the rest of their life.
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Bengali Culture and Post Wedding Rituals
