Weddings in India are no less than a carnival. Be it the traditionally rich South Indian wedding or the ever-glamorous North Indian wedding- there's something about Indian weddings that make them a must-attend. Now when we speak about weddings, you have to attend a Kashmiri matrimonial at least once in your life. Why so? Well, it's because of the beautiful culture, food and much more. And if this isn't enough, then here are five reasons why attending a Kashmiri matrimonial in India should be on your list. Read on, and you will thank us for the suggestions later.
Here’s Why You Need To Attend A Kashmiri Matrimonial Soon
Mehraaz Saal
Mehraaz Saal is more like a reception, but this one is not your ritual. In a Kashmiri matrimonial, the guests are treated like gods. Here, after the wedding, the groom with the guests are given a royal treatment that one can never forget. The food is served on beautiful copper plates, and to make the groom feel extra special- a special seat is prepared for him. To enjoy this feast- the groom sits on a seat made of silk carpets. Now that's some royalty. And if you want to experiment with this, ensure that you attend a Kashmiri matrimonial soon.
Maenzraat – Mehendi
Mehendi ceremony is quite common across weddings in India. But the one that takes place in a Kashmiri matrimonial is quite different. How do you ask? Well, the Mehendi ceremony, also known as Maenzraat takes place a night before the wedding. Yes, it's a night event where the women in the family apply henna on the bride's hands and feet. The bride dons a traditional Kashmiri outfit, and the ceremony is followed by a grand feast. From food to the bridal Mehendi, everything at this ceremony speaks grandeur and Kashmiri traditions.
Bridal Outfit
The food, rituals, and ambiance are okay, but it's the bridal outfit that makes you fall in love with Kashmiri matrimonial. The bridal outfits worn by the bride are usually colorful, glamourous, and filled with heavy embroidery. The bride dons a Pheran, that's more like a salwar kameez with the addition of a veil. The bride usually opts for red, maroon, and hues of orange for the Pheran color. The salwar Kameez is embellished with rust zari work, making it look stunning. And as a part of the bridal outfit, the bride also wears a headgear known as Tarang. And a dupatta matching Tarang is worn over the head to complete the look.
Groom's Arrival
In an Indian wedding, or weddings in general, everyone is usually excited about the bridal entry, and a lot goes behind it. However, when it comes to Kashmiri Matrimonial, the groom's departure from his place to the bride's house is something that one should be a part of. Once the groom is ready, the female member of the family takes a plate of rice and some money and ensures that it is touched on the groom's left shoulder. Post this- the groom carries his sword and proceeds toward the bride’s house along with some male members of the family. And when the groom reaches the bride's house, the fathers of the couple exchange nutmeg, which symbolizes the acceptance of this relationship. and hope that it lasts long.
Decor & Rituals
From Livun to Walima and Maenzraat, Kashmiri matrimony is filled with rituals seen nowhere else. The decor is simple, the food is rich, and the rituals are sacred. All this makes Kashmiri matrimonial unique, and trusts us; you have to experience it once to understand what we are saying. Everything is so distinct about the matrimonial, especially the rituals, each of them has a meaning.