Things to Expect at a Marathi Wedding
Elaborate and strict rituals, festivities and vibrant colors certainly distinguish and differentiate Indian weddings from others. Colorful flowers, lights, rangoli and décor with intricate and beautiful patterns and wedding guests’ chatter, lip-smacking food platter make up the pulse and spirit of Marathi matrimony. In a country as diverse and culturally vast as India, every region has its own celebration and culture to bind the groom and bride in holy matrimony. But, amongst all the wedding festivities, Marathi weddings have to stand out by dint of their simplistic, traditional yet modern approach.
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There are many noteworthy things to expect at a Marathi wedding and while choices and tastes differ from one person to another, here are common things that most people would agree on.
- The gorgeous attires: One of the most important things to expect is the stunning Marathi wedding attire. That’s the nine and six yard sari adorned by women and little girls. Paithani is the sari of choice and the peacock patterns and bright shades rule the wedding. The pearl studded, precious nose ring or naath simply steals the entire show. It’s heartening to see traditional saris and jewelry back in vogue and nowadays, brides want to recreate the magic and splendor of their grandmother’s and mother’s era. You see a lot of that happening in a Marathi wedding. The groom has myriad options to choose from as well. The elegant and simple silk kurtas or Bandhgalas and the traditional dhotar create the perfect groom dress.
- Cuisines and hospitality: An Indian wedding is surely all about serving special cuisines and hospitality. Another integral aspect has to be the sumptuous cuisine of Maharashtra. You can find the perfect amalgam of sweet and spicy dishes, and the food just tempts and satisfies all and sundry. Apart from the tasty poori and shrikhand, the quintessential jalebi is ubiquitous and a must have. Do remember to enjoy the famous varan bhaath laced with a ladle or touch of pure ghee. The best part of these weddings is that the food is simple but very special. That’s what makes up the beauty of Marathi matrimony. It is naturally lovely and resounding sans any artificial embellishments and pretentions.
- The sonic impact: While the celebrations go on in full swing, you will find the melodious and catchy tune being played on flute with soft drums or table as accompaniment. That’s the celebrated Shehnai and choughade for you. The music is just the ideal backdrop for the grand occasion and it’s neither loud nor is it heavy. It syncs with the mantras and slokas chanted by the priests. Like the overall style and food, even the music is pleasant, simple and soothing to the ears. There are some marriage tunes and hymns that you will only hear in Marathi weddings.
- String of ceremonies: The catch of a Marathi wedding is definitely the smaller ceremonies organized throughout the day.
A coy bride is coerced to feed her groom, their first meal as a couple, thereby propelling both to embark on their conjugal like and a happy marital journey on a grand and sweet note.
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