Wedding Rituals: With wedding season in full swing, families across India are prepping for traditions they’ve followed for generations, often without knowing why. Many rituals that look emotional, dramatic or just plain fun today actually come from deep cultural logic, social reasons or surprisingly scientific thought.
Here’s a fascinating breakdown of 10 Indian wedding customs whose real meanings most people have never been told.
1. Why the groom’s mother avoids the pheras
In several communities, the groom’s mother doesn’t sit near the mandap during pheras. Traditionally, this represents the emotional “letting go” of her son as he builds a new family. It also ensured that the atmosphere remained calm, because a mother’s emotional reactions were believed to intensify energies during sacred rituals.
2. The who marries next?” Kalire ritual
When the bride shakes her kalire over friends’ heads, it isn’t just for Instagram moments. Historically, kalire were decorated with dry fruits symbols of nourishment and prosperity. If a piece fell on someone, it meant the bride’s blessings were passed on. The later “marriage prediction” twist came as a playful social adaptation.
3. Avoiding Black at weddings
Black, in Indian culture, signifies mourning and emotional heaviness. Weddings, being auspicious beginnings, require vibrancy. Interestingly, color psychology supports this darker shades absorb heat and suppress mood, while bright colors activate positive emotional responses. So it’s cultural and scientific.
4. Baraat’s loud music isn’t random
The groom’s entry with dhols and high-energy music originally functioned as a protective ritual loud sounds were believed to drive away negative spirits. Today, we know that rhythmic beats trigger an adrenaline response, instantly lifting excitement and bonding people through synchronized movement.
5. Why brides cry during ‘bidai‘
The emotional send-off isn’t staged drama; it symbolizes detachment from one’s childhood home and stepping into adulthood. Psychologists note that crying at such transitions helps release pent-up stress hormones, acting as an emotional detox for the bride on a life-changing day.
6. The haldi’s healing science
Haldi isn’t just a glow ritual. Turmeric has antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Historically, in times without modern medicine, applying haldi protected the bride and groom from skin infections, while also purifying the body and mind before sacred rituals.
7. The sacred red thread (Kalawa)
The kalawa tied on wrists is believed to protect from negativity. But its original purpose was more practical it signified that the wearer had entered a sacred vow and must follow ritual purity. The knot symbolized discipline, sincerity and a promise to participate fully.
8. Groom arriving on a horse
The horse represented valor, stability and warrior-like readiness. In ancient times, arriving on a ghodi showed the groom was capable of protecting his new household. Even today, the ritual stands as a symbolic declaration of responsibility, pride and commitment.
9. Joota chupai: More than a fun game
Hiding the groom’s shoes was historically a gentle test the groom had to “earn” entry into the bride’s family. It also acted as an ice-breaker between two families meeting formally for the first time. The playful negotiation built rapport and dissolved stiffness.
10. The protective meaning of mangalsutra beads
While modern brides see it as a style statement, traditionally the black beads protected the marriage from negative influences. Gold rests near the heart because it was believed to stabilise emotions and maintain warmth in the relationship a mix of symbolism and subtle science.
(Writer of this article is Rishita Sogani)