Jat Matrimony - An Exuberant Affair

By Author: Ankush Singhal
Total Articles: 173
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The Jat till date follows customs and traditions of Vedic Aryans. They enjoy an equal status irrespective of their financial position. Age is the only factor that makes one superior. The unique feature of Jat matrimony is that people are required to get married in their own community only, but the boy and girl should be of different gotra. A variety of customs and traditions are observed in ceremony which makes it a grand affair.

The first and foremost custom that is followed in Jat matrimony is “sagai” or engagement. Many factors are taken into consideration before deciding on the right match. These factors are health, age, income, financial background, family background, looks and appearance. Rings are exchanged during the engagement ceremony which is a formal affair between the couple and their respective families. Another popular custom is sending invitations to maternal uncles by the mother of the groom.

Jat Matrimony begins with Ganesh Pujan, to seek his blessings. Lord Ganesha is considered a “Vighnaharta” and seeking his blessings ...
... allows the marriage festivities to continue without any untoward happenings. Another custom followed is “haldi” in which a paste made up of grounded ghee, turmeric and barley is applied to the bride and the groom. It is believed to enhance the beauty of the couple. “Banori” is another custom in which the bride and the groom do not eat food at their respective houses. They have their first meals at the house of a priest known as “Baman Banori”. Later, the meals can be taken at the house of some close relatives.

Henna application or “pithi” is the next tradition that is followed in the Jat matrimony. In this tradition, mehendi or henna is applied on the hands of the bride and sometimes the groom. Generally a small round spot is made and is left open for the “hathleva” ceremony. Before the ceremony of “pheras” one more custom is followed in which all relatives gathered for the ceremony feast on a recipe made of daal and rice known as “khichdi” during lunch. The Bride’s side organizes a get together known as “mel” for all relatives a day before the marriage.

The Jat matrimony is solemnized under a beautifully decorated mandap which is basically a canopy that stands on four pillars. This is an important aspect of ceremony where Lord Agni himself stands witness to the auspicious occasion. Maternal uncles of the mother of the bride and groom bring gifts for the family members and this ceremony is known as “maayara” which is basically a financial assistance in the marriage. Another tradition that is followed is “chaak puja” in which the potter’s wheel is worshipped.

The wedding attire of both the bride and the groom is beautiful. The groom ties a turban on his head and puts a “sarpech” in front. It is generally made up of gold and is embellished with diamonds, rubies and emeralds. The bride wears heavily embellished red colored “lehenga”, “choonri” and “kurti”. She wears lots of heavy jewellery that generally comes from the groom’s home.

As evening arrives, the groom goes to the bride’s house in a lavish procession with lot of fun and gaiety. This ceremony is known as “baraat nikasi”. His family members, close relatives, acquaintances and friends accompany him. There is lot of dance and music on the way to bride’s house. The groom rides on a horse which is also decorated. When the baraat reaches the bride’s home, it is welcomed by the family members of the bride. Here the groom performs a ritual of “toran” which is actually a symbolic victory. Later the bride and groom are taken to a stage where they exchange garlands and the ceremony is known as “varmala”. Last ceremony in the Jat matrimony is the very auspicious “saat phere” wherein the bride and the groom circle around the holy fire and promise to stay together all their life.

Sonali writes on behalf of Jeevansathi.com, which is India’s fastest growing Matrimonial website. Jeevansathi.com helps the users to search corresponding matches from their respective community like Sikh Matrimony, Punjabi Matrimonial from their online matrimonial and matchmaking services.