A wedding ceremony or the mangal parinay is the symbolism of the union of two different persons incorporating significant rituals and traditions. India is a diverse country and customs and traditions vary in accordance with the region, religion, caste, and state. Rituals followed up in the traditional Bengali wedding ceremony make the Bengali wedding colorful and lively. Whether it’s ululation sound produced by women or entrance of Bengali bride covering her face with betel leaves; every tradition conducted at the wedding ceremony is significant, relevant and deeply rooted in belief. Like other state weddings, Bengali wedding is also classified into prewedding rituals, rituals conducted at the wedding ceremony and post-wedding rituals. Today, we are going to tell you about the post-wedding rituals of Hindu bengali weddings.
• Vidaai
The post-wedding rituals start with the Vidaai ceremony of the bride. Vidaai or bidaai is the emotional moment for bride and bride’s parent. They are happy and usher blessings as their loving daughter are stepping into a new life with her respective husband and sad for the fact that she is no longer stays with them in the same house. Before leaving the house, the bride throws back the handful of rice so that her house remains prosperous and full of happiness.
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• Bodhu Boron
In this ritual, the beautiful bride is welcomed into her new home by her mother-in-law, and other relatives. The mother of the groom pour water on the wheels of the car and takes the bride in. Before entering, the bride has to dig her feets into the thali containing Alta (red powder) and milk and leaves footprints inside new home praying for the prosperity. She is then presented with the metal ivory Bengal by her mother-in-law which is the symbolism of her marital status.
• Kaal Ratri
In this ritual, the bride and groom are not allowed to meet and look at each other as it is considered bad for their matrimony so they have sleep separately in different rooms.
• Bou Bhaat
The newlywed bride enters into the kitchen and cooks rice and meal for the groom and his family members. This ritual states that now she is the part of the family and has to fulfill her responsibilities.
• Bahubhaat
In this significant ritual which is taken place at groom’s home, the groom gifts saree and a plate full of sweets to his dear wife taking the promise that from now on he will take care of his bride and satisfy all her needs.
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• Phool Sojja
The room of the newly married couple is decorated with scented flowers.
• Ostomangla/Shubochandi Satyanarayan Pujo
The bride’s visit her parent’ home eight days after her wedding along with her husband. The Satyanarayana puja is done for the newly wedded couple for their holy matrimony and to usher blessings of God. On this significant day, the thread tied on the wrist of bride and bridegroom is removed by the priest. This is the last ritual of the Bengali wedding which marks the end of ritualistic traditions performed during the wedding ceremony.