In an Indian Hindu wedding it
is not just the coming together
of two person or two souls. The
wedding rituals not only involve
exchange of vows and rings between
the bride and bridegroom but it
also establishes the bond between
two families and their cultures.
The marriage ceremony is a colorful
and joyous event, which is spread
over a couple of days. It is a
large gathering of family, friends
and relatives. One of the important
and fun ceremonies is the arrival
of the groom on the day of the
wedding at the wedding venue.
The groom's family members, relatives
and friends accompany him to the
wedding venue in big procession.
Groom's friends and relatives
are called the barati. They are
welcomes and received by the bride's
family. The groom normally goes
in a grand procession to the bride's
place. He sits on a decorated
horse. But nowadays people prefer
to travel by decorated luxury
car because of the distance and
traffic rule on the road. The
bride's parents and elder members
of the family welcome the groom.
The mother of the bride performs
the aarti when the groom enters
the house. And the other member
of the bride's family welcomes
the guests from the groom's side
and introduces each other. The
introduction is known as milni.
The barat procession may consist
of many people, both men and women.
Earlier married women were not
allowed to go but nowadays-close
women relatives go and even dance
in the procession.
The barati who comes in the procession
are garlanded and seated. Cold
drinks, snacks, and sweets are
offered to them. They are also
invited for dinner as the guests
of bride's parents. All the expenses
of the barat reception, marriage
ceremony and the dinner, etc.
are born by bride's parents in
most of the cases. The tradition
of the ghori is becoming popular
once again. In the past the mare
was used as a means of transport
to the wedding venue. It is adorned
with decorations and ornaments.
The groom dressed in his wedding
attire sits on the horse. Along
with the groom his 'best man'
usually a younger brother, cousin
or nephew who acts as his caregiver
sits. Although these days the
customs are not seen any more
as most grooms like to travel
by luxury cars. But still many
wants to go by the traditional
way and as the groom rides his
horse, the baratis are engaged
in singing, dancing and fireworks.
