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.