5 Things to Look Forward To In a Bengali Wedding!

Weddings are a time for fun and reunion with relatives and friends. Every wedding is a story in itself – the people, the rituals, the colours – everything comes together beautifully and creates something magical. While every wedding is fun to attend, there are certain things that set each apart and make it more special. It’s a sight to behold when every member of the gathering comes alive and contributes to the merry making.

Bengali weddings, like others, also involve a lot of merry making, fun and laughter but there are a few things which are done differently. If you have a Bengali friend, make sure you attend the wedding for a whole lot of fun. We have put together a list of things that you must not miss during the wedding to make sure that you enjoy the authentic experience.

SHREE

Shree, symbolising Goddess Laxmi, is an auspicious part of every Bengali wedding. It is made of flour, oil, turmeric and vermillion and varies from home to home. One is made at both the groom and bride’s home and they are exchanged with the exchange of gifts. It is believed that the Goddess showers the newlywed with blessings and they have a happy life ahead.

BENGALI WEDDING TOPOR & MUKUT

Traditionally worn for good luck, the topor (for the groom) and mukut (for the bride) are headgears made of sholapith (a milky white sponge), crafted into wood. These conical headgears are adorned with other accessories and are very delicate. The groom’s topor is given by the bride’s family and he must wear it during all the ceremonies.

JAANTI & GAACH KOUTO

The jaanti (betel nut cracker) and gaach kouto are considered to be holy and are supposed to ward off evil. The jaanti is given to the groom and he must carry it with him at all times on the day of the wedding. Similarly, the gaach kouto is given to the bride and she carries it with her throughout the ceremony.

SHUBHO DRISHTI

The much adored scene in every Bengali wedding, shubho drishti (holy glance) is the moment when the bride and groom see each for the first time on the day of the wedding. Before the shubho drishti, the bride is carried by her brothers while being seated on a piri (small stool). She is then carried around the groom seven times (saat paak) before they finally exchange glances. The bride then lowers the betel leaf with which she covers her face while going around the groom. They then exchange the garlands and the brothers play a little game during this time. They lift up the piri so that the bride is at a higher level than the groom. The groom’s friends and family also lift up the groom and they compete in a fun game to see who puts on the garland first. The family elders also engage in friendly banter and it is a sight one must not miss.

AUTHENTIC BENGALI FOOD

No Bengali wedding is complete without an elaborate feast. Since Bengali weddings are usually at night, it is an ideal time to enjoy a sumptuous meal. Filled with non vegetarian delicacies like fish and meat, a Bengali wedding food feast is a must on the list. If you have a sweet tooth, then you are in for a treat as the Bengalis are known for their love of sweets. From traditional to fusion, they are trying it all and you find a plethora of desserts at every Bengali wedding.

Well, now that you know what awaits you, go call up that Bengali friend and get your invite. 😉