Thinking of going to a Bengali wedding this winter? But have no idea about Bengali wedding traditions? Worry not! You just got lucky, as Bengali marriage ceremonies, are a grand celebration of age-old rituals, deep-rooted traditions, and vibrant customs.
Bengali marriage known as Bangali Biya (বাঙালি বিবাহ) starts from pre-wedding rituals to the post-wedding ceremonies, every step in a Bengali wedding is imbued with cultural significance. So, keep reading this blog and I will tell you the seven most essential Bengali wedding traditions, ensuring you gain a deeper appreciation for this joyous occasion.
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The Significance Of Bengali Wedding Traditions
A Bengali wedding is a blend of religious ceremony and sheer fun which aptly portrays Bengali culture. In this culture, the bride is transferred by the father to the parents of the groom and they welcome the new bride as well. These colorful and beautiful rites include the Aiburobhat (which is a pre-wedding dinner), the Saptapadi (which involves walking and seven rounds around the fire), and the Sindoor Daan (the bride receiving vermilion).
The bride is dressed in a red saree and the groom wears Bengali traditional dhuti and kurta. These colors symbolize prosperity and the gold jewelry symbolizes happiness. Friends and relatives are included to give a little touch of joy and some measure of comfort to the scene. These rituals are a blend of religion, love, relations, and regional traditions that make the Bengali marriage unique and amazing.
7 Most Essential Bengali Wedding Traditions You Must Know
Bengali weddings blend cultural richness and age-old traditions, celebrating love, family, and heritage. From bachelor parties, and gold jewelry to all important Bengali wedding rituals, each custom reflects Bengali culture’s deep-rooted values and joyous spirit.
1. Spinster Party/Bachelorette Party – Aiburobhaat (অইবুড়োভাত)
This is one of the most essential Bengali wedding rituals. It is a joyful tradition where the would-be bride and the groom are invited to a relative’s house and have served meals independently at their home. On this occasion, only family and those very close to the bride or groom can shower the individual with love and blessings. The meal usually includes Bengali traditional foods which is believed to signify the end of their bachelorhood.
At my bachelor party, I remember all of my relatives dancing joyfully and cooking all of my favorite dishes. I was on top of the world as I just had to eat and eat some more!
2. Turmeric Ceremony – Gaye Holud (গায়ে হলুদ)
Bengali Gaye Holud, the haldi ceremony is one of the most remarkable pre-wedding traditions. It is said to be done a day or two before the wedding, and it involves smearing the bride and the groom with a paste of turmeric, mustard oil, etc. This paste beautifies the couple so that they are ready for the wedding ceremony.
This is one of the fun ceremonies observed as both families bless the couple. The bride and groom are seated and turn by turn relatives rub the paste of turmeric on the bodies of the bride and groom while singing local tunes.
In my marriage, I remember, my haldi paste came late from the groom’s family and everyone was getting panicky. Because without this ritual the bride can’t go to take a bath before marriage. Finally, my haldi arrived but late.
3. Wedding Night – Biyar Din (বিয়ার দিন)
The wedding ceremony is considered to be very important and happy day among Bengali people. It is wedding night and is the most stressful night for the bride’s family, as the bride will get married and leave her parent’s house forever. The night starts with chanting vedic mantras, prayers and rituals are carried out at the place of the wedding. Later, the puffed rice ceremony is one of the most symbolic rituals in a Bengali wedding.
During this ceremony, the bride’s family hands her over to the groom, signifying their trust and blessings. The bride holds puffed rice (laja) in her hands, which is then supported by the groom. I must say that this is one of the most emotional ceremonies at the wedding. I was crying so much as I was leaving my parent’s house forever and will be starting a new life.
4. The Exchange Of Garlands – Jaimala (জৈমালা)
Jaimala is one of the most popular and joyful moments of the Bengali wedding ceremony as the bride and groom exchange flowers. The new-age Bride and groom dance on a stage called Potto on which people encourage them by clapping their hands. They then exchange flower garlands while the priest chants vedic mantras. The garland exchange symbolizes the acceptance of one another.
The ritual of Jaimala is not merely cultural but is a pledged word that two souls take to support each other till their last breath. This is also an occasion where friends from both sides tease the couple and chide them for bowing down easily before the other during the garland exchange.
5. Vermilion Ceremony – Sindur Daan (সিঁদুর দান)
Sindur Daan is quite an important part of Bengali weddings in the bride’s house. These marks instantly appear during the wedding ceremony understanding that during the wedding ceremony, the groom puts sindur (red vermilion powder) on the bride’s forehead indicating her new status in life as a married woman. The Sindur Daan is a proclamation of the relationship between the bride and the groom to reciprocate love and respect and to be together for the whole life.
6. The Big Reception Party – Bou Baath (বৌ ভাত)
Bou Baath is the grand reception party or the post-wedding rituals given by the family of the groom to the newlyweds. In this ceremony, both the families meet and celebrate and party. Here, the bride is first presented to the new family, friends, and the rest of society. The bride’s family and the groom’s family give gifts and bless each other. The wedding feast includes fish, sweets and other Bengali dishes.
This is normally accompanied by merry-making singing and dancing to traditional wedding songs, and lots of photoshoots.
7. First Night – Phool Sojja (ফুল সাজা)
The first night of the bride and groom after Bengali weddings which means the night of flowers. This is a special and private time in a couple’s new marriage, where they are physically united as husband and wife. Their room is well decorated with flowers and a good aromatic smell to make her comfortable. It represents the new life the couple leads as husband and wife. Full of love, good feelings and fresh starts. This is one of the sacred rites identifying the beginning of their union and a lifelong partnership.
I hope you loved reading about numerous rituals and Bengali wedding traditions. While writing I remembered so much about my marriage and felt so nostalgic.
10+ Vocabulary Words Related To Bengali Wedding Traditions
Here, you can learn words related to Bengali wedding traditions and this will help you learn more about Bengali language:
What Do You Say “Wedding Traditions” In Bengali?
Wedding traditions are called Biyar Achar (বিয়ার আচার) in Bengali.
FAQs About Bengali Wedding Traditions
1. What Is The Importance Of The Garland Exchange In Bengali Weddings?
Bengali wedding is not complete without garland exchange. It means the bride and groom accept each other and are willing to respect each other as they begin their marriage. This ritual is normally done during feasts, with the couple holding the garlands high before placing them on each other.
2. How Is The Wedding Date Chosen In A Bengali Marriage?
In a Bengali marriage, the wedding date and time – Biye Tithi (বিয়ে তিথি) is chosen based on astrological calculations by a priest or an astrologer after consulting the Bengali calendar. The process involves matching the bride and groom’s horoscopes to determine their compatibility and selecting an auspicious date and time, or Shubho Muhurat, for the wedding ceremony. This ensures that the union is blessed with prosperity, happiness, and harmony.
3. Why Does The Bride Cover Her Face With Betel Leaves During Her Entry?
In Bengali wedding tradition the bride’s face is hidden with the betel leaves when she is taken to the wedding mandap. This practice implies respect, humility, and the sacredness of the event. The leaves also serve as a curtain which gives the groom something to look forward to and a build-up to the event.
A Roundup Of Bengali Wedding Traditions
The Bengali wedding traditions are a combination of culture, tradition, and religious practices, all followed by hearty laughter and entertainment. Just like the Aiburobhaat and Gaye Holud pre-wedding ceremonies or the Jaimala and the Bengali Hindu wedding vows exchanged around the sacrificial fire are filled with rituals. Bengali wedding traditions are not just about two people coming together, but it is each of them coming together into the family and making memories that both will cherish for a lifetime.
Want to know more about the Bengali language? Download the Ling app, and you will be ready in a few months. Knowing the Bengali language will help you enjoy each ritual in your family, and you can also say congratulations in Bengali to the newlyweds and participate in each ritual.