India: The Land of Multi-Cultural Weddings

It's no surprise that Indians love a good celebration, and nothing conjures a celebration better than a wedding! Being the humble abode of so many cultures, India certainly enjoys a variety of weddings; each of them comes brings a unique flavor to the plate. The high contrast in traditions gives us wedding lovers the nectar that we’ve been craving. Every kind has at least one that makes you wanna ditch everything and get married yourself so, without further adieu let's list them all down:

Hindu

One of the longest weddings in our list, a Hindu wedding typically happens through the course of a week and most of the weddings fall under it with little variations depending on their geographical location. These weddings are commonly seen in the northern half of India. Ceremonies like Mehandi, Haldi, Sangeet, Var mala, Tilak and the Saat Pherey that bind the bride and groom in an eternal bond.

It’s a celebration of love between two families. The bride is laden with jewels are dressed typically in a red lehenga with intricate embellishments on the wedding day, while the groom wears a Sherwani with a Pagdi. Although, all ceremonies call for exquisite ensembles the wedding day everyone brings their A-game!

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Parsi

A Parsi wedding doesn’t follow the same customs as a Hindu wedding as Parsis are descendants of immigrant Persians. Their weddings are known for their elaborate ceremonies and lavish reception. Some of the most prominent ceremonies include Rupia Peravanu, Achoo Michoo, Devo, Sagan, Madhav Saro, Adrani and many more.

The attires at a Parsi wedding are more on the sober end with the groom wearing a white cotton kurta with a white overcoat paired with white pants and formal shoes. He tops off the look with a tall hat with either a flat top called Fetah or one with a pointed top known as Paghudi. The bride dons a heavily embroidered white silk or chiffon saree with not so heavy family heirloom jewels.

Customization Guide: Design Your Own Wedding Outfit with Chiffon, Foil Prints, Silk, Chanderi, Jacquard, Embroidery or Muga Silk.

Islamic

Nikah, as called in Holy Quran in India, is a uniquely beautiful blend of Islamic rituals and adopted rituals from other cultures like Manjha which is an equivalent of Haldi in a classic Hindu wedding and has all the fun element intact. Other rituals include- Mehendi, Sanchaq, Baraat, Arsi Mushraf and more all caped with Rukhsat.

Some of the most prevalent bridal wear choices are Salwaar Kameez, Saree and Sharara in the auspicious green tones, complete with heavy ornamentation. The bride is covered in all kinds of jewellery however the nose pin and Jhoomar are an absolute must. While the groom wears a kurta with a churidaar however, more grooms are inclining towards popular indo-western wear paired with the staple churidaar.

Customization Guide: Design Your Own Wedding Outfit with Silk, Jacquard, Embroidery, Lucknowi Chikan, Mashru Ajrak or Chanderi.

Bengali

Bengali is hands down the most scenic wedding one can have the pleasure of witnessing. A ‘Biye’ last 2-3 days packed with extravagant ceremonies, vibrant colors and unceasing grace. Pati Potro, Aiburobhat, Sankha Porano, Jol Sowa, Gaye Holud and Tattwa are a few of the many glorious ceremonies that take place during the holy matrimony.

A Bengali bride is the epitome of elegance and charm, dressed in a magnificent Banarasi saree with dots of kumkum and sandalwood paste on her forehead accenting her eyes.

The groom wears a kurta known as Panjabi, crafted of cotton, tussar or silk paired with a dhoti made of Bengal handloom or Muslin and is popularly known as Tant. However, he changes into a serene silk attire called jor and wears a “Topor” which is a conical ceremonial hat.

Customization Guide: Design Your Own Wedding Outfit with Kinkhab, Banarasi, Brocade, Jacquard, Silk, Chanderi, Muslin or Handloom.

Gujarati

‘Kal ho na ho’ got it right when it comes to Gujarati weddings, they are filled with cheer, laughter and divine vegetarian food. Chandlo Matli, Gol Dhana,Mandap Mahurat, Griha Shanti and Mehendi are few of the many enthusiasm fueled ceremonies.

When it comes to wedding fashion the groom can be spotted with a kurta and dhoti although grooms nowadays are opting for more indo-western looks but they always carry a bandhani dupatta with a pagdi clad with precious stones. The bride wears a Garchola which essentially is a white saree with a crimson border and is presented to her by the groom's family. She is adorned with all gold accessories which add a dash of shine to her already exquisite look.

Customization Guide: Design Your Own Wedding Outfit with Banarasi, Gamthi, Jacquard, Bandhani, Embroidery, Raw Silk, Tussar Silk, Chanderi or Embroidery.

Rajasthani

A Rajasthani wedding's extravagance is unmatched and unbeatable, no wonder the elite choose to get married like royals at the Jaipur Palace. Every Rajasthani wedding no matter how big or small is filled with glee, kaleidoscopic colours and quite frankly a celebration of culture. The pre-wedding customs begin with Tilak, followed by Ganapati Sthapana, Griha Shanti Palla Dastoor, Sangeet, the arrival of the Baraat and Saat Pheerey, all done with a great deal of zeal and zest.

The bridal wardrobe consists of garments with high contrast and ornate hand embroidery on bright hues of madder, fuschia and amber. The groom is dressed in traditional achkan and churidaar which obviously also is in classic bright hues.

Customization Guide: Design Your Own Wedding Outfit with Banarasi, Gamthi, Jacquard, Bandhani, Embroidery, Raw Silk, Tussar Silk or Chanderi.

Assamese

The most dialled down weddings of all, an Assamese wedding is the embodiment of poise and serenity. “Biya geet” fill the air as women sing in unison as the nuptials carry on. Juran Diya, Tell Diya, Pani Tula, and Nuoni are some of the many colourful rituals performed pre, during and post the wedding.

The Assamese Muga silk takes the centre stage as the attires of both bride and groom are crafted by the same. The groom puts on a silk kurta, dhoti and shawl around his neck while the bride displays what's known as a Mekhla Chadar which is a two-piece attire. She also wears handmade gold jewellery prices called Jun Biri with flowers in her hair.

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Punjabi and Sikh

Punjabis are renowned for their lively demeanour and larger than life weddings. The size of the wedding might be small, but they definitely go over the top with all the energy surging through everyone. The party begins with Roka and let's just say it never ends as goes through ceremonies like Mangini, Shagun, Sangeet, Mehendi and the wedding itself.

 The Punjabi bride goes above and beyond with their wedding outfit, a lavish vivid lehenga and doused in jewellery of all kinds. The groom goes for a kurta and churidar or sherwani with extensive design patterns and a Sehra made out of fabrics, ribbons or even pearls.

Customization Guide: Design Your Own Wedding Outfit with Raw Silk, Organza, Embroidered Velvet, Sequins, Net, Satin, Chanderi, Jacquard or Phulkari.

South Indian

A South Indian wedding is as vibrant and colorful as any other Indian wedding, but the south-Indian philosophy of simple living is quite aptly showcased in their weddings too. The rituals change language to language - Tamil, Kannada, Telegu and Malayalam

The Malayali Bride wears a lot of jewels whereas Tamil Bride wears a simple silk attire. Malayali and Kannada rituals are similar to Hindu Marriages whereas Telegu weddings only have 3 pheras or rounds of the sacred fire but they too have the seven pledges. Bride and Groom serve food to guests after marriage in Telegu weddings. Tamil weddings are recognized mostly by the use of musical instruments in it like Nathaswaram and Melam. Kanada Weddings have pre-wedding rituals such as Nandi, Havan, Nischay Tamulam and Kashi Yatre.

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Maharashtrian

Maharashtrian weddings are the most toned-down weddings when we talk about all Indian weddings. All their pre-wedding rituals hold great significance and you count them to be minimalistic but are as colorful as every Indian wedding.

The groom wears a white kurta with dhoti and bride wears a silk saree with golden borders. They both wear a traditional headband ‘Mundavalya’. Rituals include Ganpati Puja, Punyavachan, Devdevak, Seeman Puja, Anarpat, Gurihar Puja, Sankalp, Kanyadan, Satapadhi and Karmasampati.

Customization Guide: Design Your Own Wedding Outfit with Banarasi, Chanderi, Brocade, Jacquard, Silk or Raw Silk.

Oriya and Bihari

Oriya marriages are the closest you can get to a north Indian wedding, but they are much more mellow. Baadua Pani Gadhua is a ritual where the bride takes a ceremonial bath for her special day. Kanyadan is also a part of Oriya weddings.

Bihari weddings are quite opposite in terms of glamour. Bihari weddings are on a higher level when it comes to preparations and scale. Rituals include Paricchvan, Baraat Prasthaan, Jaimala, Galsedi, Kangna Bandhan, Kanyadan, Bhaisur Nirakshan, Kuldevta Puja and finally the pheras. Both of these weddings see the bride in a bright lehenga while the groom dresses in a sherwani.

Customization Guide: Design Your Own Wedding Outfit with Silk, Chanderi, Jacquard, Embroidery or Brocade.

Christian Weddings

Western Christian weddings are all about white dresses and simplicity and elegance, but Indian Christian weddings have that Indian flare of vibrancy to it. Engagement is an integral part of a Christian wedding and it is followed by a courtship period. Next ritual is a Bridal shower wherein the bride is gifted several things. The groom version of the bridal shower is a Bachelor party. Roce ceremony is similar to the Haldi ceremony in Hindu weddings, in Roce the bride and groom bathe in oil and coconut juice and then with water.

Groom wears a black or white suit for the wedding while the bride wears a saree mostly over the traditional white gown. The wedding process is shorter than any other Indian wedding as it only had Wedding mass (prayers), vows and exchange of rings. The Indian touch to this is ‘Thali’ which is the Christian version of Mangalsutra and is tied by the groom around bride’s neck and the ‘You may kiss the bride’ happens in a few Indian Christian Weddings only.

Customization Guide: Design Your Own Wedding Outfit with Muslin, Silk, Satin, Organza or Embroidery.

Kashmiri 

“Iss duniya me agar kahin jannat hai, toh woh yahin hai, yahin hai, yahin hai …” is right not just about the serene state of Kashmir but also their weddings. They are just as splendid and almost melodious with a rhythm to it. Packed with ages-old traditions like Kasamdry, Livun, Krool Khanun and Duribat it is an experience of a lifetime. The groom dresses in a Pheran with a Pashmina embroidered belt known as Zarbaf with the traditional turban called the Gordstar. He typically flaunts a necklace of pearls and other precious stones as well.

The bride ups the ante with a Pheran-like salwar kameez but far more bedazzled. The crown jewel of the entire look is the Tarang which is essential a headpiece made of Kalpush, Zoojhis and glace paper. She wears a piece of jewellery called as the Dejharoo which the Kashmiri equivalent of mangalsutra except it is pair of gold pendant with gems attached to a golden chain that goes through the ear piercing.

Customization Guide: Design Your Own Wedding Outfit with Silk, Pashmina, Embroidery, Jacquard, Brocade, Net or Velvet. 

We can go on and on about weddings without stopping for a breathe but let's leave some for another time. This wedding season we hope to join you in your nuptials with our Wedding Edit’18 Collection that features an extensive range of fabrics that cover all your wedding attire needs, so hop on to www.fabriclore.com to add a dash of elegance to your wedding ensembles.

 Authored By: Sunidhi Gaur

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