The Beauty of Marathi Weddings
Marathi weddings are simple yet elegant with a lot of emphasis laid on rituals and traditions. There is no gala show of decor or lighting but the bride looks stunning in her traditional attire while the groom matches her in elegance in his traditional ensemble. Most of the wedding ceremonies take place during the day with various religious rituals spaced out throughout the wedding ceremony.
The beauty of Marathi weddings lies in its simplicity. The venue is usually a marriage hall that is done up in a simple yet sophisticated manner with some flower decorations. Since they are day weddings, there is no need for special lighting to highlight the decor or the stage. A small stage is set up where all the rituals are performed. It is gracefully dolled up with marigold flowers and some drapes.
A Marathi bride is an epitome of simplicity and graciousness wearing a traditional Marathi saree and jewelry with few adornments on the hair. The makeup is usually kept light and natural especially because it is a day function. The real beauty of the bride is seen within and it is reflected on her through the radiant glow on her face. No makeup can match this natural grace. The groom is also dressed in a simple dhoti and kurta.
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The ceremonies though many, are short and sweet, infused with meaning and values. It is a reflection of the traditions followed in the Marathi culture, which give prime importance to family, values and the bond of love.
The wedding food at a Marathi matrimony is also simple but delicious. Usually it is a sit down vegetarian meal where in guests can have a leisurely meal after blessing the couple. The meal usually consists of some mouth watering appetizers of batata (potato) vada and onion bhajis. The main course is a combination of vegetables, daal, poori (an Indian bread), masala rice and papad and salad. In the deserts department you can sample some lip smacking Shrikhand, Gulab Jamun, Puran Poli and Jalebi.
After all the guests have eaten the wedding lunch, the newly wed couple sit for their meal with the family. Post the meal, the bride bids farewell to her maiden family as she takes on her new role as a wife and daughter in law. There is no elaborate Vidaai ceremony as seen in many other cultures in India. It is a private ceremony attended only by close family.
This simplicity seen in Marathi weddings makes it special and chaste.
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