Gujarati Weddings
Gujarati culture is deeply rooted in traditions and customs just as many other Indian cultures are. Gujaratis are very energetic and enthusiastic people who celebrate their special occasions and festivities with high energy and happiness. A Gujarati marriage ceremony is a great example where people dress up in all the lovely colors of the rainbow.
The Gujarati wedding clothing displays their rich and colorful culture. Most Gujarati women choose to wear a sari that is draped in the proper style of Gujarati (over the left shoulder and around the belly starting on the right side of the body). These saris are typically a beautiful, brilliant red in color. It is then accessorized using the appropriate jewelry. Traditionally, a Gujarati groom always chose a dhoti kurta to wear in the marriage ceremony. However, in metropolitan cities currently, this traditional clothing is slowly being changed. Some men are now choosing to use designer Gujarati wedding attire such as indo-western kurta pyjamas. In addition, formal suits are becoming more and more popular as the wedding clothes for the groom.
The wedding consists of many fun-filled rituals along with a lot of food, fun, and firecrackers. The wedding celebration lasts for days beginning with the engagement, or Sagai, to the wedding and the Gujarati wedding reception. This is the ceremony that makes the commitment of the prospective bride and groom to each other official. The bride travels to the home of the groom taking an earthen container, or matli. The matli is filled with gifts and sweets for the groom and his family. Acceptance of the couple by each family is goal of this ceremony. If both families accept, the couple becomes engaged.
Following the engagement are days of blessings (puja), dancing to Garba (a Gujarati specific dance), reception and lots of eating yummy food. Let's just say, if I had a wedding one day, I'd want it to be Gujarati style. Sounds like a lot of fun!
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