Kashmiri Wedding Ritual

Kashmir the “paradise on earth” is known for its beautiful valleys, the snow cladded mountain tops and the pleasing environment. The same simplicity can be witnessed in Kashmiri weddings as well. They are not as glamorous as the other Indian weddings but are quiet interesting. This elegance attracts many to tie their nuptial not in this fashion. Kashmiri weddings involve many rituals and customs.

The Kashmiri wedding begins with matching the Teknis i.e. the horoscope of the bride and the groom. Status and family background are other factors that are taken into consideration. The wedding date is finalized by the bride’s parents. After receiving the consent from the groom’s family the priest fixes the wedding date. The wedding ceremony can be carried out either in the day or at night.

As witnessed in other Indian wedding, Kashmiri weddings also have pre-wedding, post wedding and wedding day ceremonies to be carried out. All this ceremonies are performed with great fun and excitement. All the family members participate in the rituals with great enthusiasm. Western influence has brought about some changes in the customs but the age old customs and rituals still prevail.

The pre-wedding rituals include the Livun and Wanwun. The entire house is cleaned before the wedding and the family cook places a war (mud-and-brick oven) in the house backyard. Wanwun is a music night where all the close friends and family members participate. They celebrate and enjoy their heart out. Both these rituals are carried out at the groom’s and the bride’s house. The Maanziraat ceremony is carried out where the door is decorated. The bride’s maternal uncle washes her feet and her aunt applies mehendi on her hands and feet. Other ritual includes the Devgon and Duribat ceremony.

On the wedding day the bride and the groom dress in traditional outfits and are helped by their friends and relatives. The groom’s uncle helps him in draping the gordastar (turban). Before leaving for the wedding the groom is made to stand on a vyog (a pattern made out of rice flour). All the wedding ceremonies are carried out at the bride’s house.

The wedding procession is welcomed by blowing the conch shell. The eldest member offers “nabad” to the couple and thereafter the “dwar puja” ceremony takes place. The couple then proceeds to the mandap where the wedding ceremonies are supposed to be carried out. All the wedding rituals are performed in front of the sacred fire. The priest asks the bride and the groom to cross their arms and hold each others hand. According to the “aathwas” ceremony, the one who takes out the engagement ring first will rule the household. The couple is asked to place their right foot on the “kajwat” or the grinding stone. The couple then take saat pheres by stepping upon seven one rupee coins. At the end of the ceremony they feed each other some rice.

The couple is made to stand on a beautifully decorated vyog where the elder members offer them nabad three times. The bride is seated in the doli and starts her journey towards her new life. The bride is welcomed with lots of love in her new house. Some interesting post-wedding rituals are also carried out after the bride’s arrival. Rituals like Satraat ceremony, Phirlath ceremony and Roth Khabar make the wedding ceremonies more interesting and exciting.

Kashmiri wedding includes lot of music, dance and fun. The elegant and sober look, delicious cuisines and the elaborate rituals and customs make Kashmiri weddings an amazing experience.