Indian weddings, no matter which community, are always known for being over-the-top, glamorous and fancy. However, Parsi Matrimonial are opposite of the Indian weddings as these weddings are more about traditions and culture. Yes, you read that right! The Parsi community prefers a simple wedding where hues of red and white get incorporated for all the functions. And while Parsi food is quite famous, if you have always been curious to know more about Parsi matrimony, here are some interesting rituals you must know about. These rituals make Parsi matrimonial different from the rest. So read on for all the deets.
Interesting Rituals About Parsi Matrimonial That You Must Make A Note Of
Rupia Peravanu
Also known as the Engagement ceremony, this is the first wedding ritual that takes place in Parsi matrimony. However, what makes the ritual so interesting is that not more than nine members of the groom's family can visit the bride's house for this ceremony. After the ring exchange, the bride is blessed with silver coins, coconut and other gifts. And the bride's family adds more silver coins to the bag given by the groom's family and visits their house to reciprocate the gesture. The house is decorated with garlands and white chalk designs for the ceremony. In fact, women from both families are majorly involved in this ritual.
The Madhavsaro
This is one interesting ritual that makes Parsi matrimonial so unique. Here, both the families plant a pot and keep it at the main entrance of their house. The pot is kept there for a week after the wedding and is watered daily without fail. It is done because the sapling is a sign of fertility; hence the pot is kept there for a week, and after that, it's removed from the main entrance and planted in a permanent place. This one is an interesting ritual, which is still followed religiously by the Parsi community.
Supra Nu Murat
This ritual in Parsi matrimonial is quite similar to the Hindu Haldi function. Here Supra, a pack of betel nut, betel leaf, dates, turmeric, and a piece of coconut, is grounded in turns by five married women. And once the paste of the same is formed, it's applied to the bride and the groom by their family members. The married women sit in a circle to pound this paste, and it's interesting to watch this ritual.
Achoo Michu
Parsi matrimonial is simple and rich with culture and unique traditions. And this one is the first main marriage ritual that takes place in the matrimonial. Here, a stage is set in a fire temple; the bride's mother carries raw eggs, coconut, rice, and dates and uses them to warm off all the bad omen and evil eyes from her son-in-law/groom-to-be. After this, she sprinkles some water on his sides to finish the ritual. And this ritual is repeated by the groom's mother for her daughter-in-law/bride-to-be. No other functions in Parsi matrimony begin without the completion of this ceremony, thereby making it important.
Ara Antar
This is one of the most fun and unique rituals to watch in a Parsi matrimonial. Here, the bride and groom sit facing each other on the stage, and a cloth is hung between them. Their family priest circles have a thread and use that to circle seven times around them. After the seventh round, the bride and groom are supposed to throw rice at each other. And as per the folklore, the first to throw rice is believed to rule the household after marriage. Now that's one interesting marriage ritual that the couple enjoys at the wedding. And trust us, it's also fun to be a part of it as a guest.
Hath Borvanu & Pag Dovanu
This ritual in a Parsi matrimonial is fun for the bride and her sister. Here, the bride asks for money from the groom for untying the wedding knot and washing the couple's hands. If the groom doesn't agree to give her money, the bride then threatens him to pour milk on his shoes. Hence, after some argument and drama, the groom agrees to give some money to the bride- this ritual is known as Hath Borvanu. Now, when it comes to Pag Dovanu, it involves washing the groom's turban for money. The main purpose of this ritual is to have fun and bond with a groom who is also a brother-in-law.
Reception
The traditional Parsi matrimonial ends with a musical and eventful bang at the wedding reception. Hosted by the groom's side, the wedding is a lavish affair where the couple is invited for their first dance, which is followed by dances, food, booze, and music. And this marks the end of a Parsi matrimonial Shaadi.
