Sindhi wedding ceremony reflects the sign of Hinduism and Sufism. Sindhi people are generally Sanatani Hindus and do not pursue Hindu cremation exactly. Sindhi weddings are based on Vedic rites. Their weddings usually take place on the Satyanarayan Chandsi or the New Moon day. Sindhi weddings have many colorful traditions that makes event interesting and enjoyable. A favorable day is fixed for the wedding after acceptance of the bride and groom’s families. A priest fixes the date for the wedding after matching the horoscope of the bride and groom. Sindhu weddings are number of rituals likes the other wedding. Sindhu wedding are divided in three parts.
Pre wedding rituals Wedding Day rituals Post wedding rituals
Pre wedding rituals
Kanchi misri: Kanchi misri is an informal engagement among the bride and groom. The cocounut and misri as the symbolic approval that the bride and groom are belongs to the other family. The bride and groom’s family exchange ‘shagun’. The shagun is consists of five different types of fruits and money (kharchi). The bride’s family sends five kilos of mithai, coconut and money to the groom’s family. On this ceremony the groom’s sister covers the head with the ‘duppatta’ and feeds the suji shera to her sister-in-law.
Pakki misri: pakki misri is a formal engagement where groom and bride exchange there rings in the presence of the priest. The bride and groom’s parent first conduct a Ganesh puja followed by an ‘Ardas’. The groom’s parent places a cloth, ornaments and gifts on the bride’s lap as an acceptance of her.
Berana: Berana is the satsang ceremony which organized ten days before the marriage. It is performed in the name of the Sindhi God, Jhulelal. It shows the beginning of the wedding ceremonies.
Dev bithana: This ceremony takes place five or six days before the wedding. In this ritual priest installs a chakki as a totemic deity. This ritual conducts at both in the bride and groom’s home.
Tih: Tih ceremony takes place a day before the wedding. The priest of bride’s family goes to the groom’s house carries with some goods. The priest carries a bag of rice, cloves, candy, sugar and green color silk yarn along with a paper on which the lagan is written.
Saanth/wanvaas: This ceremony is organized separately in bride and groom’s house. In this ritual married woman applies oil on the head of the bride and groom. The bride and groom worn the old clothes and threw in the river which signifies a new beginning.
Mehendi: Mehendi is a special occasion at the bride’s home. In this ceremony bride applies henna (Mehendi) in her hands and foots. The ladies sung ritual songs and perform a dance.
Sangeet party: sangeet party is just like a bachelor party at the bride’s home. This generally celebrated after the Mehendi ceremony. Sangeet ceremony is filled with fun and the female performs a dance.
Saagri: saagri is the ceremony in which bride takes a shower with flowers on the evening. The groom’s sisters, cousin and the small children come at bride’s place. The groom’s sisters dress the bride in a silk saree and decorate with flower jewelry.
Ghari puja: This is an attractive ceremony which takes place at the bride and groom’s house. The married women grind wheat on a small grinder, which is a symbol of prosperity. A prayer is conducted by the priest. The groom offers a handful grains to the priest.
Navgrah puja: Navgrah puja refers to the worship of lord Ganesha puja, Laxmi puja, kalash puja followed by the nine planets. This ritual is performed on the morning a day before the wedding. This ceremony performs at the bride’s home after this puja get over at the groom’s house.
Wedding day Ritual
Haldi ceremony: This is the ceremony in which the family member applies oil and haldi to the bride and groom’s body. After this ritual both the bride and groom cannot leave the home.
Paon dhulai: paon dhulai is the ritual which did by the bride’s brother. The bride’s brother washes the feet of groom and bride. The feet of the groom and bride measured by the priest with a thread that is hold by the bride.
Jai mala: Jaimala is the ceremony of exchanging the garlands of bride and groom.
Hathialo: Hathialo is the ceremony in which the palm of the right hand of bride and groom are tied with the thread. The tying of the hands represent the inner union that will join both of them.
Wedding ceremony: wedding ceremony is the main attraction of the wedding. The bride and groom walks around four times in front of sacred fire. They take a vow of duty, love and respect. The couple prays to the God for their happy life.
Kanyadaan: Kanyadaan is main ritual of wedding. The bride’s parent gives her daughter’s hand to the groom and his family. The bride’s father gives the responsibilities of her daughter and requests him to protect from all the enemies.
Post wedding ceremony
Vidai: vidai is the farewell of bride. This is the mixture situation of tears and happiness. After vidai the bride is going to leave her parent’s home forever. The baraat leaves for the groom’s house. The newly married couple reaches separately by different routes. The groom’s family receives them at the entrance of the gate.
Datar: Datar is the welcome ceremony of bride in her new home. The groom’s parent washes the feet of the new bride. The bride sprinkles milk all around the house and places salts on her husband’s hand, this ritual repeated by thrice. The ritual considers that salt blends well and gives taste to the food.
Chhanar/ dev uthana: It is the ritual of removing the chakki which was installed during the dev bithana.
Sataurah: sataurah is the welcoming of the bride and groom at the bride’s home. The bride and groom visit the bride’s home at favorable time which is told by the priest.
