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Witnessing Traditional Marriage

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Marriage is defined as the legally or formally recognized union of two people as partners in a personal relationship (historically and in some jurisdictions specifically a union between a man and a woman). A commonly accepted and encompassing definition of marriage is the formal union and social and legal contract between two individuals that unites their lives legally, economically, and emotionally. People believe in traditional marriages as it is supposed to last a lifetime. It is an unshakable and traditional conviction that such marriages lead to much conjugal happiness and success. It emphasizes on mutual respect and discourages the practice of divorce.

I recently attended my Maternal Uncle’s Marriage at Dhading district and that was such a beauty to see. I had gone to many weddings at Kathmandu on expensive party venues, with so much of people wearing beautiful dresses, showcasing how much jewels dressed, and also band equipment as for recreation and music. But the marriage of my maternal uncle was purely traditional, completing all the rituals perfectly, on the land below the mountains and houses made up of straw, showing a typical Nepali lifestyle and the best part of the wedding was Panchey Baja. The marriage venue was decorated with colourful paper flowers and twinkling lights. Music is an essential part of marriages. The traditional music, Panchay Baja and folk songs are still popular among people as the Nepali people believe that playing traditional music strengthens the nuptial knot and pleases God.

We went to Nuwakot for the marriage ceremony. The bride was dressed in the bridal colour of red and was bejeweled with gold and precious gems. Everyone were happy as a new bond was going to be formed. There were the music of Panchay Baja playing traditional folk songs of Nepal. The marriage was performed with priest enchanting mantras, starting with Barmala, followed up with Kanyadaan of the bride by their parents. That was such a tragic moment to see, as the bride was crying. Later on, the ritual was performed where the bride needed to wear the dress brought by the groom, and the second phase of the wedding started. It had interesting activities like playing games, pulling the clothes put above the bride and groom and also they were asked to eat the curd by one another. Later on, there was Phera where the bride and the bridegroom needed to roam the Mandap for 7 times promising many things that would make their marriage successful. Finally, Mama put Sindur on the head of the bride, and that’s how she became our Maiju. He also put Mangalsutra in her neck that completed the ceremony.

The moment finally came when the bride had to leave the house and she had to go with the family of bride-groom. She was crying and her relatives too. That was tragic, however, we made her smile on the way to home. After the day with lots of dance, music, food and refreshments, we returned home with the bride who was now a part of our family.

Really, I felt so blessed to be part of the marriage, where I could enjoy food in natural environment, dance in traditional folk songs, where you are welcomed with a gentle way by serving Mohi “Made up of curd” and you get much care and attention as well. The fresh air, Panchey Baja tune complemented really well. Everyone seemed much happy and the wedding was really a memorable event so far.

  • SaruPyakurel