In an Indian Hindu wedding it is not just the coming
together of two person or two souls. The wedding rituals not only
involve exchange of vows and rings between the bride and bridegroom but
it also establishes the bond between two families and their cultures.
The marriage ceremony is a colorful and joyous event, which is spread
over a couple of days. It is a large gathering of family, friends and
relatives. One of the important and fun ceremonies is the arrival of the
groom on the day of the wedding at the wedding venue. The groom's family
members, relatives and friends accompany him to the wedding venue in big
procession. Groom's friends and relatives are called the barati. They
are welcomes and received by the bride's family. The groom normally goes
in a grand procession to the bride's place. He sits on a decorated
horse. But nowadays people prefer to travel by decorated luxury car
because of the distance and traffic rule on the road. The bride's
parents and elder members of the family welcome the groom. The mother of
the bride performs the aarti when the groom enters the house. And the
other member of the bride's family welcomes the guests from the groom's
side and introduces each other. The introduction is known as milni. The
barat procession may consist of many people, both men and women. Earlier
married women were not allowed to go but nowadays-close women relatives
go and even dance in the procession.
The barati who comes in the procession are garlanded and seated. Cold
drinks, snacks, and sweets are offered to them. They are also invited
for dinner as the guests of bride's parents. All the expenses of the
barat reception, marriage ceremony and the dinner, etc. are born by
bride's parents in most of the cases. The tradition of the ghori is
becoming popular once again. In the past the mare was used as a means of
transport to the wedding venue. It is adorned with decorations and
ornaments. The groom dressed in his wedding attire sits on the horse.
Along with the groom his 'best man' usually a younger brother, cousin or
nephew who acts as his caregiver sits. Although these days the customs
are not seen any more as most grooms like to travel by luxury cars. But
still many wants to go by the traditional way and as the groom rides his
horse, the baratis are engaged in singing, dancing and fireworks.
