The Tilak Ceremony

The TilakCeremony

So, as we continue our journey throughout Indian weddings, we stumble upon the tilak ceremony. Now there’s not much in this particular ceremony, for it is more of, as you kids like to say, a “low-key” event. 

Now, this function is only celebrated by the groom and his family, along with only the males from the bride’s side. Basically, the males of the families use red vermillion to put this mark (tilak) on the groom’s forehead. It’s known to be a symbol of blessings such as bringing him prosperity for his marriage, have good opportunity in his future, have a blessed family, etc. 

Not only is this an important ceremony for the groom, but it is important for the bride’s family as well. When the father of the bride attends the ceremony, and places the tilak on the groom, it is a sign for the acceptance that he has for his future son-in-law. Moreover, it shows that the bride’s father sees this man as a loving husband for his daughter and someone that will be a good life partner. 

This function could take place in either the groom’s house, but, usually, since it is an important function, often times, it could be held in the temple. This way, when it’s in the temple, the priest of the temple is able to say a prayer and bless the groom for his future. In simpler words, it’s another function with many more blessing cause one can never be over blessed, right?  

Also, check out: https://www.indianholiday.com/wedding-tourism-india/tilak-ceremony.html

The Mehndi Function

            Alright, now in the next part of our journey through Indian weddings, comes the Mehndi function, also known as the henna function. Now in this is particularly for the bride only. Mehndi, or henna, is a paste that is made for the bride which is known to bring positive vibes and wish the bride good luck for her future. 

            Now, since the mehndi function is for the bride, naturally the bride’s family is the one to host the function. And there are many traditional beliefs for many Indian cultures regarding how dark the mehndi’s color turns out. For instance, some cultures believe that the darker the henna turns out, the more loving the bride’s husband will be. And others believe that the darker the henna, the more accepting and loving the bride’s mother-in-law will be. 

            Henna designs are also very extravagant. These designs are picked out by the bride, depending on what she wants her mehndi to resemble. For example, nowadays, some brides get symbols that represent where she first met her fiancé, or some brides get symbols on where her fiancé proposed, etc. Plus, a fun little tradition that has continued on for many generations, is hiding the bride’s fiancé’s name within the mehndi, and then having him find it. If, he is able to find it, it’s known as representation of how much he loves her. But if he cannot find it that doesn’t mean he doesn’t love her, it’s just a little victory for the bride.      

For more information on the henna function, check out: 

      https://www.linandjirsa.com/mehndi-photography-for-indian-weddings/