Colors of Rituals

Every wedding has it's own story. The rituals might be same at a lot many places, but the story is never the same. 

At a recent wedding I covered, for a hearty girl and a true Punjabi by all means, Ritika, I was lucky to not be crowded by a swarm of photographers. As a result of which, I totaaaalllyyyyy got my space and was lucky to be there at the right moment, without getting that instant jump in front of the camera by the jealous studio guy.With the pictures in place, and the splash of color I like in all my pictures, here are a few pics for the Chooda and Sainth ceremonies for Ritika. 

I googled to get some reasoning behind these rituals. Wikipedia did just a decent job in providing the answers. But nothing beats asking the grannies(Biji)of the house. 

First and foremost, you need to sit for some ceremonies. A traditional red and golden "fatti" as you call it in Punjabi. There is a special "fatti" for the bride to keep her feet. What's the reason for having this? I'm still quizing. 

All covered in the auspicious red for the ceremonies to begin.

With time every traditional accessory takes a modern twist. Same is the story of Kaleeras as well. Consider me old fashioned, I still like it this old style. The style as captured in this very pic is called the "Patti" Kaleeras. For those not very well versed with the language "Patti" stands for leaves of a tree. As you can see the design resembles tree leaves. For some more curious souls check out this other photoshoot of a personal fav style of Kaleers - the Patiala famous Lottan Kaleera

Randomly browsing through the internet, came across this interesting fact about the symbolic shape of the Kaleeras. The top is shaped like a coconut, to show that the bride will always have food in her new home. There are metal pieces hanging from it to show, she will always have wealth.

The bridesmaids and the family members tie these Kaleeras to the bangles that the Bride is supposed to wear on the wedding day.

The red thread "mauli" as you call it, acts as one connector. The bride's parents hold this during the ceremonies.

Coconut is the one fruit, that is associated with all good things to be started. Has an omnipresence across all ceremonies. Why?? May be it's coz of the very nature of the fruit. Hard on the outside, which makes it look like the head of a human being. The coconut is showered with blessing in kind of flowers and money. In the ed of the ceremony, breaking of the coconut symbolises the breaking of the ego. Seems a good explanation to me. Rest these explanations are any day open for a debate.

As I said in the starting every wedding has a unique story. Now this very ritual was a new one for me. This particular hanging made out of earthen pottery, is filled with flowers and then the "Mamma" (Bride's mother's brother) hangs it at a raised altitude in the house.

All the women of the family get to tie this "Gaanna". This particular accessory has also seen the twist of modern, but again consider me old fashioned, I just love this particular traditional style. Why this?? With so many ladies in the function, this would be a good way to mark your ladies ;-)

The priest just grabbed my hand during the ceremony and tied a "gaannaa" in my hand as well. Feels good when made to feel like a family at these fucntions. Oooooo, I better not mention the jealous look and studio photographer standing beside me...he he he...Bitch please.

Now comes the "Chooda" ceremony. A day before the wedding or on the day of the wedding, the oldest maternal uncle and aunt play an important role in performing this ceremony. Chooda is basically a set of red and cream ivory bangles that is touched by all present. 

It's gifted by girl's "Mamma" (mother's Brother). 

The girl does not see the Chooda until she is ready for the marriage. Hence, it's covered with a cloth to hide it. 

Then starts the "Vatna" ceremony which involves applying the paste made from turmeric powder and mustard oil all over the girl’s body by her female friends and relatives. This is done to make the girl look more beautiful on the special day of our life. This ritual demands that the bride to stay at home in her old clothes for a couple of days before her wedding. Ubtan is supposed to bring glow on the bride's and groom's body especially their face. This tradition is also known as Shaint in some cultures. After this ritual, bride and groom are constrained from meeting each other until the wedding ceremony.

The bridesmaids or the sisters cover the ceremony area with a "Chunni" or a "Fulkari".

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