Bengali weddings

The couple set eyes on each other at the appointed moment, and the feast comes the morning after.

Before the wedding

1
Paaka Katha
The final talk. The parents and close relatives visit the other family to settle the marriage formally.
2
Aashirwad
Each family visits the other's child with blessings and a token gift. It is as good as an engagement.
3
Vriddhi
Both fathers offer prayers to the ancestors, with a pandit and a puja at each house.
4
Dadhi Mangal
Before sunrise on the day, the couple eat curd, milk and sweets, then fast until the wedding is over.

5
Varan
The bride's mother receives the groom at the gate with an aarti.
6
Shubha Drishti
At the muhurat, the couple set eyes on each other for the first time.
7
Mala Badal
The exchange of garlands.
8
Sampradaan
The kanyadan, performed by a relative of the same gotra rather than by the bride's father.
9
Saat Pheras
Seven rounds of the sacred fire, to the chant of Sanskrit mantras.

10
Baasi Byah
The next morning, sindoor again, and a feast served to the couple in new utensils.
11
Bidai
Before sunset, the groom's family come to fetch the couple.
12
The feast
The groom pledges responsibility for his bride's food and clothing, gifts her a new sari and serves her food.

Every family does things a little differently, so treat this as a guide rather than a rule. Your elders will have the last word.

We can bring the priests, the musicians, the mehndi and the sweets, wherever you marry.

Next guide

Kannada weddings