The term Rajput is predominantly applied to the clans of Suryavanshi, Chandravanshi and Agnivanshi. They are the ancient ruling dynasties in the Indian sub continent. They are part of Hindi speaking Kshatriyas are mainly understood to hail from the North Indian state Rajasthan.The word “Rajput” means king’s son or prince and so rajput weddings are known to be grand and royal affair.
Rajput’s Marriage is regarded as a very serious affair in which not only the groom and the bride of both the families are involved but also the their parents and the entire family lines.The royal weddings extend to days and is overwhelming with vibrant colors and music.
Rajputs are particularly keen in the matchmaking aspect of the marriage .The match between a groom and bride is made by considering many important facts. The family is the most significant of all factors. Also care is taken to ensure that the match is perfect. The status of the families have to be at par. It is also very important that the bride and the groom are from different family claiming a common ancestor . The horoscopes have to be approved and matched by the family astrologer. Rajputs prefer to marry within the community only.
Tilak is the the official engagement ceremony where only the male members of the brides's family goes to the groom's house. No ladies go with the men in this occasion. Bride's brother apply the tilak to the groom's forehead during this ceremony. The men from the bride's family usually present the groom with gifts such as a sword, clothes, sweets, fruits etc.
The next two important events are ‘Ganapati Sthapana’ and ‘Griha Shanti’ceremony. These happens few days earlier to the actual marriage.This nothing but the installation of an idol of Lord Ganesha and perform ‘Havan’ to receive the blessings of the god.
The next significant event is Pithi Dastoor, which is performed for both bride and the groom in their respective houses. This ceremony involves the application of sandalwood and turmeric paste for around seven days until the wedding day. The bride and the groom are not allowed to leave their respective houses as soon as this ritual starts.
One of the unique ceremonies of Rajputs is Mahira Dastoor. It takes place at both the bride and the groom's houses. This ceremony is predominantly around the maternal uncle and his family of either side. The maternal uncle along with his family makes a grand entrance and are traditionally received by his sister(bride/grooms mother). The uncle then gifts clothes, jewellery and sweets to the entire family. It is the symbolic representation of the support provided by a brother to support his sister’s family marriage function.
Before wedding the Janev ceremony is conducted. This ritual is to make the groom to wear the sacred thread. The Rajputs wear the saffron robe with the thought that the groom has two choice before him. One that of give up the world by becoming an ascetic and the other is getting married and accepting the responsibilities of marriage . At the end of the yagna, the groom has to act as if he wants to become an ascetic by running away. And the maternal uncle tries to stop him and convince him to get married. The groom will accept the offer and return home to get married with the bride.
Palla Dastoor ceremony involves the people from the groom’s family coming with the wedding clothes and jewels collected for a bride and with some gifts known as the palla dastoor.This happens a day or two before the marriage.
The ceremony Baraat involves only the gents of the groom's family. Ladies do not take part in the procession. As part of the ceremony the bride is escorted to the brides place. The groom usually rides an elephant or a horse and carries a sword. Also, each of the other male members of the family carry a sword. Horses become an integral part of the marriage ceremony, the groom has to ride horse at some point of the marriage ceremony. On entering the bride’s home, the bride’s mother willl take arathy to the groom.
Then starts the wedding. The groom will be proceeded to the wedding place. In all this only the married male relatives accompany him. The wedding takes place as usual with the yagna fire and the vedic mantras. The bride has to keep her face hidden behind a long veil throughout the marriage . It is mostly attended by the women folk of the family as the men of the house remain busy tending after the barati and other guests.
After the wedding, Grihapravesh is conducted. This is actually the entry of the bride into her husband's house for the first time. The day following the grihapravesh, the pagelagni takes place. This is a ceremony where the bride, still in veil, is formally introduced to all the family members of the groom who bless her and give her gifts. The veil is then finally removed.
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