Now, let’s jump right into the first function of an Indian wedding! In many Indian cultures, especially the Punjabi and Hindu cultures, the Haldiceremony is the beginning part to every big Indian wedding.
The word Haldi actually means turmeric, so, yes, it is basically a turmeric ceremony. Now the reason it’s called the haldi ceremony is because there is a paste that is made with turmeric, rose water, and a powder (usually its sandalwood or chickpea powder), and this paste is smeared on the bride and the groom from the members of their families. Usually, in tradition, the elder ladies of the house go first, and then everyone else can take turns putting haldipaste on the bride or groom.
I know you must be thinking, “Why? What’s the purpose?”. Well, it turns out that there is quite a lot of significance behind this tradition/ceremony. Firstly, it’s to keep off the evil eye from the bride and groom. Secondly, it’s a tradition for the elders of the families to bless the soon-to-be couple. But mostly, it’s also used as a form of purification. Once the bride or groom has completed the ceremony, they go shower and cleanse their bodies as a sign of getting ready for a new life. Also, turmeric is known to be extremely beneficial to the skin and body, so, of course, having a strong antiseptic that clears your skin before your wedding is never a bad thing!
For more information on a haldi ceremony:
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