In spite of having medicinal properties haldi or turmeric holds a special place of honour when it comes to Indian traditions.
Especially in Indian weddings, haldi ceremony marks the beginning of the wedding rituals and is one of the most important pre wedding rituals after engagement or the ring ceremony. The ceremony is held on the morning of the wedding day or a day before marriage at the residence of both groom and bride respectively.
For this ceremony, a paste prepared with turmeric (haldi), curd, sandalwood, gram flour, is rubbed onto the bride’s and groom’s skin before a ceremonial bath by their near and dear ones is accompanied with traditional song and dance.
Know why the ritual is significant in Indian weddings:
To Keep Buri Nazar (Evil Eye) Away: People believe that after applying haldi evil spirits don’t harm the bride and the groom. This is why, the bride and groom are usually not allowed to leave their home after the haldi ceremony, till their wedding mahurat.
Supposed to be Auspicious: Turmeric is considered extremely auspicious for Hindu rituals. There’s a role for turmeric in every ritual as it signifies purity, fertility and good health. In many you must have seen that the bride and groom wear clothes of yellow colour.
For beautification: It gives a healthy glow and ensures the bride and the groom look fresh during the most important occasion of their lives.
Relaxes the mind: Turmeric contains an antioxidant called curcumin that acts as a mild counter to depression and anxiety which helps the bride and the groom stay calm during their wedding.
For purification:Turmeric is considered a cleanser and a purifier. As the bride and the groom take a step towards the new beginning, the haldi ceremony also acts as a purifying ritual.
Blessings: The ritual is meant to prepare the bride and groom for the wedding. Ladies and elders who are present at the ceremony shower the bride-to-be and the groom-to-be with lots of happiness and togetherness.
PNN/Agencies