Agarwal Matrimony

About Agarwal Matrimony

India is a land of different communities, each having their own different ways to celebrate various ceremonies of life. One such community is Agarwal community that belongs majorly to North Indian regions. They consider Wedding rituals as a lifetime event. Thus, they cherish each ritual so that it can be remembered throughout the life. The wedding celebration extends to a few days or up to a week. In Agarwal matrimony, one can find every possible flavor starting from traditional rituals, delicious foods, royal attires and various fun-filled moments.

Agarwal matrimony is unique and each ritual carries its own relevance in life. So, let us give a closer look at the lively rituals of Agarwal matrimony.

Pre-Wedding Rituals

Agarwal Matchmaking

As arranged marriages are more popular among Agarwal's thus matchmaking is an important affair for them. Marriages are fixed by checking the compatibility of bride and groom based on their horoscope. Once, a perfect match is found then the families proceeds from the wedding celebrations.

Engagement or Mudha-Tikka ceremony

It's an important ceremony, with the purpose of announcing the new alliance between the family and friends. During this ceremony takes place at groom's house. The bride's father, brother along with other male members of the family applies tilak on the groom's head. This signifies the welcoming and acceptance of groom in their family. they also present gifts, sweets, and clothes to the groom.

Godh Bharai

This ceremony is very similar to Tilak ceremony, but this takes place at the bride's house. During this ceremony, the groom's sister brings gifts, clothes, cosmetics, and sweets, dry fruits etc. for the bride. She places these gifts into the lap of the bride. This gesture is considered as a symbol of blessings for upcoming bliss in her happy married life.

Sangeet

Traditionally the Sangeet ceremony was a fun-filled session with folk music and dance. It was meant for only female friends and relatives. But, nowadays it is not less than a full-on musical bash with lights, delicious food, DJ and participation of each and every person of the family.

Mehendi

This ceremony takes place a day before the wedding day at bride's residence. All the ladies of the house paint intricate designs of mehndi on their hands. But, the most elaborated design is painted on the hands and feet of the bride, to bring all the good luck in her life.

Wedding-Day Rituals

Tel, Baan and Haldi Ceremony

All these ceremonies are conducted on the morning of the wedding day. These ceremonies take place separately at both the houses. a paste is prepared from different ingredients like herbs, mustard oil, fresh milk curd, henna, and turmeric. Then the family members take their turn apply this paste on the feet, knees, shoulders, arms, face, and head of the bride and groom.

Kangna

After application of haldi Kangana (sacred thread) is tied on the right wrist of the bride and the groom. This is to keep the evil eyes away from the couple.

Ganesh Pooja

Before getting ready for the wedding procession, the Ganpati pooja is performed at both the houses. The main importance of the pooja is that with the blessings of Lord Ganesh the wedding will take place without any obstacle.

Gaur Pooja

In this pooja, the bride is worshipped as an incarnate of Goddess Gauri or Parvati, who is considered as the perfect wife. The family members form a circle around him and shower her with rice husk. This is to bless her with immortal and prosperous married life.

Baraat

After getting ready for the procession the groom seeks the blessings from all the elders of the family. A turban is placed on his head by his brother. This is known as Sehra Bandi. Then he mounts on a decorated mare and the wedding procession starts proceeding towards the wedding venue.

Toran

During this ritual, the groom hits the toran (decorations on the main entrance made of the flowers) with a stick and then he steps inside the wedding venue.

Bateri Pooja

Following the Toran ceremony, the next ritual is Bateri pooja. The bride's father performs it. He offers gifts to groom and groom in return promises him to perform all the sacred rituals of the wedding.

Neem Jhadai

This is the typical ritual of Agarwal weddings. In this ritual, the bride's sister sprinkles water on the groom with a neem tree's twig. This is to protect the groom from all evil eyes. In exchange for this, the groom presents her a gift. After this, an aarti of the groom performed by his mother in law.

The Main Wedding Rituals

After this the groom steps on the stage followed by the bride. Then they exchange garlands as a symbol of accepting each other. Following this, the couple sits at the vivah mandap to take part in Kanyadan ritual. During this ceremony, the father gives away his daughter to the groom. Among Agarwal community, it is also known as Hast Milap. This is followed by the Gathbandhan (tying of nuptial knot) and Magal Phera (taking seven rounds around the sacred fire). Following this, vermilion powder or Sindoor is applied on bride's forehead and the groom ties Mangalsutra around her neck. This marks the conclusion of the wedding rituals.

Post Wedding Rituals

Aashirwaad

After completion of wedding rituals, the couple seeks the blessings of all the elders of the family. this ritual is known as Aashirwaad.

Wedding games

Some fun filled games are also a part of Agarwal matrimony. Kangana, involves untying the sacred thread from the bride and groom's wrists. Jua, during this the bride's wedding ring is placed into a dish filled with milk, untied Kanganas, and some grass. The bride and groom dip their hands in the dish to search for the ring.

Mutthi Bandh

The bride and the groom tries to open each other's fist.

Vidaii

The bride bids a tearful farewell to her family to start her new life at her husband's home.

Grihpravesh

This marks the entrance of the bride at her new home. She is welcomed by her mother in law and other family members with great enthusiasm. Aarti is performed and she enters by dismounting a pot filled with rice with her right feet.

Mooh Dikhai

This ritual is to make the acquaintance of bride with all the members of her husband's family. They take their turn to meet her and shower her with gifts.