Bengali weddings, much like the other regional Indian weddings, have their own customs and ceremonies that define them to start with the matrimonial life. If you are going to attend a Bengali wedding anytime soon, it is essential for you to know these top 10 things that you can expect at a Bengali wedding so that there is no risk of you zoning out during the ceremonies.

Let’s check them out!

1. Placement of The Mangal Ghat

Colorful rangolis are a common sight in a wedding house in Bengal. In addition to that, women also place clay vessels or “Mangal Ghats” filled with mango leaves and a coconut resting on the top. It is then placed in the four corners of the house. These vessels apparently help in warding off the spirits and bringing in good fortune for the matrimony to come.

2. Ai Buro Bhat

This ceremony takes place a night before or a few days before the actual wedding ceremony where the groom and the bride have their last meal as an unmarried couple in their own homes. It is a fairly lavish meal that consists of rice, paturi (steamed mustard fish in a banana leaf), mutton curry, papad, dal, payesh (rice pudding), fish and assorted fried vegetables.

3. Gaye Holud

This is a fascinating custom in which a paste of turmeric is rubbed on the bride and the groom’s skin while they sit on a plank or a Piri to make their skin glow. The married women of both the families usually apply this paste. The bride’s family sends the paste in addition to Piri for the groom. Some mantras are also recited before the application of the paste.

4. Applying Aalta

Rather than applying mehndi, the brides apply Aalta which is a red pigment on their hands and feet. This is a symbol of the Goddess Lakshmi and this custom to said to bless the groom with prosperity and wealth.

5. Bor Aasha

The groom arrives at the venue at the stipulated time on the wedding day. It is quite similar to a baraat but not half as crazy or wild. He sits in a separate chamber and is constantly greeted by all the guests there until the time comes to tie the knot with his bride.

6. Hulhuli

Hulhuli is the Bengali equivalent of ululating. It is done to ward off the evil spirits, or so most people believe. However, it is usually done at the end or the beginning of an important occasion or event as a sort of signal. It is also accompanied by blowing the shankh or the conch shell.

7. Shubha Drishti

The brothers or the male relatives carry the bride on a Piri, and she covers her face behind several paan leaves. Once her fiancé comes in front of her, she removes the leaves. The bride’s face is generally decorated intricately with designs made out of sandalwood paste. The groom and the bride then exchange garlands before sitting with the priest.

These are some amazing Bengali customs that you are bound to witness when you attend a Bengali wedding. If you are also looking for a Bengali man/woman to get married to, you can check out the several bengali matrimonial sites and matrimony sites. Who knows? You might find your one too!