Rituals that make Oriya weddings special

Winter in Orissa is famous for its special occasion that is weddings. Odisha is a state of great biodiversity and their simplicity is reflected in their wedding customs. The Hindu wedding rituals are modified with the modernization and according to region.  Here are some Wedding rituals which explain the simplicity of Oriya Wedding. These rituals are:

Nirbandh

Most of the Oriya Matrimony is arranged and matches are found only traditional matchmaking in their community. Inter caste marriages are not allowed in this community. Once a suitable match is found, the horoscope is matched off the bride and groom. Once the horoscope is matched, then both families meet for the further process. If they that all is okay, they set a date of nirbandh. It is a formal engagement. In this engagement ceremony, the bride and groom are not presented, only the bride and groom’s family members are available to exchange the greetings and words regarding marriage. After the exchange of the words, they offer gifts.

Jayee Anukolo

It is the mark of the beginning of the wedding and their ceremonies. First, the wedding invitation is distributed, It is the announcement of the wedding day. First, the card is presented to God. Like this, they invited God to bless the bride and groom for a happy matrimony. This ritual is known as Deva Nimantrana.

The second invitation card is sent to the maternal uncle’s bride and groom and they personally visit the house with the betel nuts and leaf’s.  This is Moula Nimantrana.

The Third invitation sent to the Groom’s family by the Bride’s family. The Bride’s father visits the groom’s house with the invitation and personally invites the Groom. This ritual is called Jwain Nimantrana.

After that, the families are free to send the invitation to relatives and friends.

Mangan

It is like a Haldi ceremony. Turmeric paste is prepared and applied to the bride and groom prospectively in the evening before a wedding and paste are applied by the seven married women. One of them must be sister in law. Then the bride and groom take a holy bath. Turmeric paste works as a cleanser.

Jairagodo Anukolo

In this ceremony, a holy flame is lighted up. It is assumed to be auspicious for the upcoming wedding.

Diya Mangula Puja

In this ritual, a small prayer is conducted at the local temple. Bride and grooms dresses, jewelry and wedding garlands are offered to God for the blessing of a happy matrimony.

Nandimukha

In this ritual, the bride’s and groom’s father pray their ancestor for the shower of blessing.

Barjaatri

The Groom and family members accompanied and set off the wedding venue. Generally, Brides’ family sent convince with the family male member to receive the bride. When both family members reach the wedding venue gate, a small arati is performed in the form of welcome to the groom and other members.

Baadua Pani Gadhua

When the groom enters the wedding venue, the bride’s friends take the bride for the further ceremony.

Kanyadaan

It is the foremost ritual of a wedding. When the bride & groom reach the wedding venue, the bride’s father hand over the bride’s handover to the groom.  The bride’s father requests the Groom to take the daughter for long life.

Hatha Granthi Fita

The bride’s father places her hand on that of the groom. Then the mango leave garland is tie-up. Like this, the bride’s role is converted into wife and daughter in law.

Saptapadi

seven small hills are then placed on the ground. These seven mounds represent the seven phases of life. Onwards, the bride and groom perform seven rounds and before starting each round, each small hill is crushed.

Lajahoma

The bride’s brother put the puffed rice into bride and groom's hands and togetherly they pour the puffed rice into the holy fire. After that, the groom put the sindoor into the bride’s forehead into the portion of the hair.

Guest is feed with the lavish food and after that, the bride finally says goodbye to her parents and ready to start a new life with her husband.