Brahmins: Rituals and Celebrations of Brahmin Matrimony

Hinduism is mainly divided into four major casts ranked from highest to lowest in significance: Brahmins (Hindu Priests), Kshatriya (Warriors and princes), Vaisya (farmers and merchants), and Shudra (servants and sharecroppers). Brahmins are the highest in the rank of significance. They are priests and responsible for educating and upholding sacred knowledge. Brahmins' customs and traditions are different from other casts. In fact, each cast in Hinduism has different customs and traditions either related to religion or celebrations.

Hindu Brahmin matrimony are somber in comparison to most Indian weddings as they have over-the-top celebrations and parties. Hindu Brahmin concentrates more on prayers and rituals of Hinduism unlike any other carefree Indian weddings. But we cannot say that there is a total absence of enjoyment and celebration in Hindu Brahmin weddings. Let set a glance at the rituals and prayers of Hindu Brahmin weddings:

The Beginning:

The wedding ceremony begins with both Brahmin bride and groom sit in front of the holy fire followed by mantars (prayers) chanted by the priest and seven pharas (taking rounds around the holy fire) to unite their souls. They are considered married after this ceremony.

Siddhant Ceremony:

Brahmin wedding starts with Siddhant in which a registrar approves the union of bride and groom. Before this announcement, the registrar visits the priest where the priest selects a date using the lunar calendar. The objective of this ceremony is to seek God’s will and blessing for the big day and the setting of the wedding date.

Nischaithambul Ceremony:

Nischaithambul ceremony is like engagement in any other religion. In this ceremony bride and groom change their rings. Mostly this ceremony is conducted a month prior to the wedding. But in some cases, a wedding ceremony is held a few months after this ceremony.

Naandi Puja Ritual:

For Naandi Puja families gather in a temple or prefer home to pray to God thanking him for his blessing. This ritual takes place 10 days before the wedding ceremony. This is a very simple ritual where the bride and groom and even relatives wear simple clothes.

The Yedur Kesani:

The Yedur Kesani is an old fashioned but pompous ceremony. This ceremony was hosted by bride side in which females of both sides gather for family bond and to celebrate the upcoming Brahmin matrimony. The groom's family is welcomed with haldi, kumkum and rose water sprinkle.

The Uradha-moorthu:

The Uradha-moorthu ceremony is performed to ensure the solid bond between bride and groom and for their guaranteed happy married life. For this occasion, bride grinds moong daal on the stone along with her un-married cousins. The same ritual is performed by the groom with his un-married cousins.

Mehndi:

The mehndi ceremony is a fun-filled and most enjoyable occasion of the wedding. This ceremony is celebrated one day before the wedding day. The females of the family gather to apply mehndi designs on their hands. The bride applies mehndi on her hands and feet. While singing and dancing is the main part of this event.

Finally, The Gauri Puja:

The Gauri Puja is performed by the bride herself to the goddess Gauri for her happy married life.