India is a melting pot of various cultures and customs. We are frequently intrigued by how various cultures practise their traditions. Every wedding, whether it be Sindhi, Bengali, Gujarati or Muslim, has its distinctive flavours and special things to offer. The same is true of Parsi matrimony according to Zoroastrian tradition.
Parsi matrimony is distinct from the typical extravagant, ostentatious Indian weddings. The Parsi community chooses to celebrate the “lagan” (marriage) in a straightforward manner that emphasises customs and rituals. These traditions are fascinating to learn about because they are an essential component of India’s cultural tapestry. Here are some beautiful Parsi matrimony rituals.
Rupia Peravanu
Once their families permit the Parsi matrimony the bride and groom conduct this procedure. This indicates the acknowledgement of the relationship between both families. And an informal engagement ceremony will happen later. The bride’s family also visits the groom’s home with presents. Meanwhile, the women of the groom’s family bring cash to symbolise their support for the union.
Madhavsaro
A sapling will be there in a flower pot as a symbol of fertility during this particular ceremony. This ceremony takes place during the Parsi matrimony by the families of the bride and groom. This plant is situated close to the front door of the home, where it receives daily care and watering. It is removed from the pot and given a permanent home 7-8 days after the wedding.
Achoo Michoo
This is a significant religious custom to ward off evil spirits before the start of a sacred ritual. The bride’s mother walks around the groom’s mother with an egg and smashes it on her right side. She then walks around the mother of the groom while carrying a bowl of rice, betel leaves, and betel nuts. Then, seven circles are created with rice and water and tossed to the left and right of the house’s entrance.
Devo
The bride’s mother lights an oil lamp by inserting a silver coin into it. The groom’s mother once more conducts the achoo michoo rite. This happens once the bride enters a designated area with her right foot first. She then presents her with a magnificent pair of bangles and an auspicious and alluring crimson saree. The Parsi bride must wear the saree, and the mother-in-law puts on the bangles. This custom is comparable to official engagement ceremonies, which involve exchanging rings, in other cultures.
Sagan
The bride and groom take the stage together for the following event. The sagan ritual is carried out by their moms and older female relatives from both households. A garland is around the couple’s necks and a coconut is on their hands. The women touch the couple’s shoes after dipping their fingers into a bowl of liquid vermillion or kumkum. They mark the bride’s forehead in a circle with the kumkum and the groom’s forehead in a vertical line.
Adarni
Gift-exchanging is traditionally done on the third day before the lagan. On this day, the bride’s family receives a visit from the groom’s family to deliver all of the presents. The gift includes clothing and jewels. The ceremony is called Adarni. The bride may also visit the home of the groom, but the groom is not permitted to do so. The family, neighbours, and friends will get a typical supper of sev and dahi, boiled eggs, and bananas.
Ara Antar
The bride and groom sit facing each other with a white cloth Parda in between them to execute this ceremony. The bride and groom exchange grains of rice with one another from over the Parda. After that, their moms will give them after seven married women circle them seven times. Whoever does it first is thought to be in charge of the home! Along with the rituals, the Parsi priest says prayers in Persian.
Payvand-e-Zanshooi
The priest performs the final prayers and rites before the couple takes the Payvand-e-Zanshooi vows. Usually, this could take an hour to complete. While the couple says wedding vows, the guests shower them with rose petals. The priest then asks them if they wish to marry the man or the woman. And they must each respond “pasandekardum” before the couples exchange rings. The wedding is now officially over as the couple get married.
Haath Borvanu & Pag Dhovanu
This is the groom’s typical hand-washing routine. The bride’s sister forces the groom’s hand into a water pot. It remains until the groom throws a silver coin into the water as a gift to the bride. The bride’s sister-in-law threatens the groom with hot milk spilling on his shoes. The groom must give the sister-in-law more gifts. The Hathevaro ritual’s sting is still there to persuade her to untie the knot.
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