Unusual wedding traditions in India

From swordfights to mocking the groom

Celebrated with great pomp, Indian weddings mirror the country’s vast cultural diversity, not only in the main ceremonies, but also in eccentric rituals. From North to South and East to West, every region adds its own distinctive touch, from Kashi Yatra to Gaari.

Wedding is perhaps the most important social ritual in India and which are celebrated with great pomp and show. These weddings across the country are a saga of ceremonies and beliefs varying from North to South and West to East, and are a living archive of tradition, belief and community. 

While in some parts of the country, the weddings might be for just two days, in others, they carry on for a week. The customs across the country mark transitions, invoke blessings and bind not just a couple but two families through symbolic acts.

From rituals of the groom carrying fish to pre-wedding cures like marrying a tree, Indian weddings have some unique rituals all symbolising blessings, commitment, or warding off evils. 

Kashi Yatra

It is often believed that visiting Kashi, the abode of Lord Shiva, a sacred place in the Hindu mythology, grants one salvation or moksha. An age-old practice for the Kamma community, primarily found in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, Kashi Yatra is a ritual that stems from the four stages of life as per the laws of Manu, specifically the Brahmacharya Ashram. 

During the ritual, the groom, takes a bamboo stick, padukas or wooden sandals, an umbrella and a small pot and pretends to run away from the wedding to leave for Kashi to embark on a spiritual journey to become a saint. 

The groom is then met by the bride’s father and close family members, who try to intervene and lure him to go ahead with the marriage. The bride’s father also reminds the groom of the path of life where salvation is at a later stage of life. 

After the intervention of the bride’s family, the rituals of the wedding are carried on and the groom is required to keep the umbrella with him, which reminds him of his duties towards his newlywed partner. 

Toran Bandana 

Rajasthani weddings are culturally rich and have been known throughout the country for the royal grandeur, vibrant celebrations and elaborate rituals, including mehndi, ghoomar, mayra, nikasi, janav, among others. 

Of these rituals, Toran Bandana stands out as one of the most unique rituals in the wedding. Toran or bandanwaars typically made of mango leaves and other items and are used to decorate the main entrance of a Rajasthani home to cast off evil eye. 

The ritual is performed when the groom arrives at the bride’s house. The bride, with a sword in her hand, strikes it at the groom in a playful manner and the groom must defend it to prove his strength and readiness for marriage and new responsibilities. The ritual symbolises protection, courage and resilience. 

Nga Thaba 

In Manipur, the Meitei community has continued to remain faithful to ancestral customs and the weddings are a reflection of the state’s heritage. 

The Nga Thaba ritual is conducted when the wedding is in process at the mandap, a specially-erected pavilion for wedding. Three women, two representing the groom and one the bride, release five strong fish in a nearby water body. 

The Channa fish used for this purpose are highly adaptable and can survive under mud and usually locomote by drilling the soft earth with its strong heads. The fish released are a symbol of the married life of the newlyweds and show that the couple can endure any ordeal presented before them. 

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Lavang tod vidhi 

In parts of Maharashtra, a playful ritual is organised once the bride goes to the groom’s house. During the ritual, called the Lavang tod vidhi, the groom holds a clove or betel leaf in his mouth, which the bride has to bite a piece off. The newlywed takes turns, which often leads to them getting close, and is a light-hearted ritual to break the ice. 

The ritual signifies the beginning of marital intimacy and togetherness and has become a moment for photographers to capture. 

Pot balancing 

In an interesting ritual in Bihar, the groom’s mother keeps a pot on the head of the bride to balance. Before the bride gets the act done properly, the mother-in-law keeps more pots on her head. The bride, while balancing the pots, is supposed to take the blessings of the elders. 

The ritual symbolises the ability of the bride to maintain balance and gracefully manage her new household responsibilities. 

Gaari 

Gaari is a ritual usually celebrated in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where the bridesmaids sing humorous songs with double entendre mocking the groom and his family, only playfully, to welcome the groom and to ease tensions between both families. 

The ritual is believed to have connections with Lord Ram’s wedding in Mithila and is a witty, affectionate practice symbolising bonding.