Bengali Community And Their Wedding Customs

By Author: Ankush Singhal
Total Articles: 173
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The eastern state of Bengal is known for its distinctive culture, heritage and literature. Weddings in Bengal are typical of state’s uniqueness. According to statistics, Bengali community is second largest single ethnic group in the world. People from region of Bengal come under the Bengali community. The region is now present Bangladesh and the state of Bengal in India. Even in the northeastern state of Tripura and parts of Assam have dominance of Bengali community members. The growth and spread of Bengali is not limited to these states.

For work and business, Bengalis have traveled to cities in India. Visit any city in India and there are more chances of finding a Bengal residential locality or a Bengali families living. And why only in India, the members of this community are found in far off lands. It’s a common joke that even in Antartica, you will come across a Bengali.
With so much said about the Bengali community, there will be no doubt that some of you who are now reading this article will definitely have Bengali friends. Many of you even must have attended the Bengali Matrimony ...
... function. The sound of shehnai playing in the background, the women wearing cotton handloom saris draped in typical Bengal way, and men folk wearing dhotis running to juggle the many errands. This is the usual scene if you attend a biyebari (Bengali matrimonial house) in few days before the wedding.

Preparations in a Bengali Matrimony ceremony start several days before the actual wedding day. The house is decked with fresh flowers and artificial colored light bulbs. Relatives start pouring in the wedding venue and the entire venue beams with activities. Distant relatives, some of which even the bride or the bridegroom must have met during childhood arrive. And the common question the groom or the bride is asked by them – Can you recognize me? I’m your so and so. Much to the amazement of the answerer, the relatives themselves gives their introduction. With such lighter note, the merriment begins.

Rituals in Bengali Matrimony are unique. Be it the bride carried by brothers/brother-in-law and encircled around the bride groom or the throwing of puffed rice by the couple in holy fire, every ritual is symbolic. There is difference of matrimonial rituals for Bengalis, belonging to the region of west Bengal and East Bengal (presently Bangladesh). Priest, who chants sacred mantras, conducts the rituals.

Bengalis, just like their unique culture and tradition, are known for its food. Bengalis love their fish and come in any Bengali matrimony; you will be treated with a variety of fish preparations. Besides, fish, other items in the menu include meat and chicken. Some of the common items in Bengali matrimonial functions are luchi, aalor dum, fish pakora, chicken curry, pulav and mangsho kosha.

And not to forget, Bengalis love of sweets can be seen in the wedding menu. A variety of sweets is served in the menu. Sweets of Bengal are chenna-based and are dipped in sugary syrup or are creamy consistency. Paan and types of mouth fresheners are also served to guests.