The 3 Main Stages Of A Bangladesh Marriage

There are many cultures spanning around the world and each of them have their own distinctive lifestyle and rituals. When it comes to marriage Bangladesh Marriage stands apart due to their extended days of marriage that spans for several days. Though Bangladesh Marriage is quite similar to that of the Bengali marriage there are quite many differences in certain rituals. The entire Bangladesh Marriage process is a lengthy one and it starts even before the engagement. Pre - engagement Rituals - This is known as the Adan Pradan. The first and foremost thing that is done is to ensure that the bride and the groom are in no way, closely or distantly, blood related to each other. Their ancestral details are checked for this. Once it is confirmed the next step is taken which is to finalize upon the marriage i.e. engagement. A priest is appointed who does the rituals and blesses the bride and the groom. The bride's family goes to the groom's house where they get together and the elders and the priest bless the couple. Pre - Wedding Rituals - This is locally known as Vridhi and takes place on the eve of the wedding day. The main function is of offering obeisance to the deceased ancestors. Wedding Rituals - This is the D day and there are lots of rituals involved and it starts from pre-dawn when the bride and the groom go to the nearby pond in two different groups accompanied by married ladies and give a formal invitation to the Goddess Ganga and as a symbol bring back a pitcher of water from the pond for the bride and the groom to use while bathing. This is called the 'Snan' and when this water from the pitcher is poured on the bride and the groom, it is considered to be the blessing of Goddess Ganga itself. Then the bride is decorated with gorgeous costumes and bejeweled followed by a beautiful veil to cover her face. The groom's party arrives amidst thunderous welcome music played using bells, conch shells and a special sound raised by women by rolling their tongue in their mouth (called the ululation). The priest recites some sacred hymns (mantras) and solemnizes the wedding ceremony. The wedding is said to be formally completed once the Kanya Sampradaan ritual or giving away the bride to the groom is completed by the bride's father which is followed by Saath Paake Ghora or going around the Homa Kund (or ceremonial fire) by the bride and groom. Here Agni (Fire God) acts as the witness for the Bangladesh Marriage. Post Wedding Rituals - The newly married coupled are welcomed with pomp at the bride's home followed by Vidayi or sending off of the bride to her new home i.e. in-laws house. When the couple reach the groom's house they are welcomed and while entering the bride has to dip her feet in lac dye and leave the foot impression on the floor and enter the home. In the evening there is the reception and the night is set for the couple to their life together anew with their bed decorated fully with flowers called the Phool Sajja.