Bengali Hindu wedding rituals, one by one
Which ritual comes after which: before, during and after the wedding, laid out simply.
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Before the wedding: Aiburobhaat
At Aiburobhaat the bride or groom eats a last rice meal before marriage, at a feast prepared by parents and relatives. Fish dishes such as doi maach and maacher jhol are served. The fish head goes to the bride or groom, who takes a small bite and passes it to a sibling, in the hope that the sibling will soon find a partner. (Source: Wikipedia, Bengali Hindu wedding)
Gaye Holud
Gaye Holud means applying turmeric to the body. The groom's family visits the bride's house on the morning of the wedding. Both families apply turmeric paste, which symbolises purification. (Source: Wikipedia, Bengali Hindu wedding)
Wedding day: Mala Badal, Saat Paak, Sindoor Daan
- Mala Badal: the couple exchange flower garlands. Traditionally this is the first time they see each other, symbolising acceptance.
- Saat Paak: the bride, seated on a low wooden stool, is lifted by her brothers and carried seven times around the groom. The couple then takes seven rounds around the sacred fire, each a promise.
- Khoi Porano: after Saptapadi the bride's brother places puffed rice in her hands. The couple offers it into the sacred fire, for prosperity and shared commitment.
- Sindoor Daan: the groom applies sindoor to the bride's hair parting and drapes a new saree over her head. This concludes the wedding.
After the wedding: Bou Boron, Bhat Kapor, Bou Bhaat
On arrival at the groom's house the couple is welcomed. Water is poured from a brass pitcher (kolshi) and milk is boiled in an earthen pot. The groom turns down the boiling milk with a betel nut cracker (janti), the Dudh-uthlano rite. During Baran the bride catches a live fish with the kolshi. Her alta footprints on white cloth symbolise the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi. (Source: Wikipedia, Bengali Hindu wedding)
The day after the wedding, at Bhat Kapor, the groom gives the bride a saree, sindoor, other essentials and a plate of Bengali food. In the evening the groom's family hosts the Bou Bhaat reception to introduce the bride to relatives and neighbours. The bride's family arrives in a procession (Kone Jatri) with gifts called Phul Sajjar Tatwa. After the guests leave, the couple eats with the groom's family. (Source: Wikipedia, Bengali Hindu wedding)
💡 Family customs can differ a little, so talk to the priest and elders first. See auspicious wedding dates on our Vivah 2027 page.
Questions
- Bengali wedding rituals list
- Aiburobhaat, Gaye Holud, Mala Badal, Saat Paak, Khoi Porano, Sindoor Daan, Bou Boron, Bhat Kapor and Bou Bhaat.
- What is Aiburobhaat
- The feast of the last rice meal before marriage, with fish dishes.
- What is Mala Badal
- The exchange of flower garlands, symbolising acceptance of each other.
- When is Bou Bhaat held
- On the evening after the wedding, hosted by the groom's family.
See also
Vivah dates 2027Gaye HoludAnnaprashanGriha Pravesh dates 2027