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In recent years, there have been increasing cases
of visitors coming back to Rajasthan to get married. Nowhere else is
a marriage as likely to be more romantic or majestic. It is an
occasion when the bride and groom truly think themselves royal.
However, even attending a dream wedding as a guest is a special occasion.
Of course, in
Rajasthan, Marriage dates are set according to
planetary consideration.
The wedding takes place at the bride's house to which the
bridegroom
comes accompanied with a large baraat or procession. This happens
even when the bride and groom are from separate towns which is
usually the case since the marriages are 'arranged'. The groom rides
to his brides house astride a white mare, and in the regalia of a
prince, complete with sword. While the marriage rituals are conducted
in the house, the bridegroom's procession is entertained in style
outside, with entertainment and dinner. The bride's family is
responsible for the hospitality, and to ensure it is not lacking,
they take great effort to look after their guests.
The giving away of the bride is a tearful occasion, but on the
evening before at the bride's there is usually a night long vigil
enlivened by ghoomar dances. In the groom's house too, there are ghoomar
dances both before and after the marriage ceremony. No wonder
it seems that the celebrations will last forever. |
