Sindhi Wedding Rituals

Similar to a Hindu marriage, Sindhi weddings are a highly lavish affair and take place with a lot of flamboyance and gaiety. However, the traditions and rituals still dominate a Sindhi wedding. The customs practiced are not just limited to the wedding day and extend before and after the wedding as well. Mostly, the weddings take place on auspicious day such as the Satyanarayan Chandsi or the New Moon day. There are a number of ceremonies that take place as a part of the wedding rituals. In the following lines, we have provided comprehensive information about the Sindhi marriage rituals and customs.

Sindhi Wedding Customs

Thread Ceremony
Without the performance of thread ceremony, Sindhi wedding is considered incomplete. Turmeric powder and oil is applied to the bride and groom in their respective houses. From then onwards, they are not allowed to step out of the house. Haldi makes the bride and groom look beautiful on their special day.

Swagatam Custom
After the bride has dressed up in her wedding attire, her sisters or other female friends and relatives lead the groom to the bride's place. At the house entrance, the bridegroom places his right foot on the top of the bride's foot. This gesture signifies his dominating strength. Thereafter, he enters the bride's house. The bride's brother washes his sister and her to-be husbnad's feet with milk and water, considering him to be a form of Lord Vishnu.

Hathialo Tradition
As a part of Hathialo tradition, the bridegroom's scarf is tied to one end of the bride's sari. Also their right hands are tied together with a sacred thread. The couple prays to the Lord to bless their union.

Wedding Ceremony
Wedding ceremony is conducted by the priest in the presence of family, friends and relatives. The bride and groom are made to sit in front of the sacred fire and the priest recites selected verses from the Holy scriptures. The family members are directed by the priest to give offerings into the holy fire. The couple takes four rounds around the fire taking vows.

The groom takes the bride's hand to his forehead. This gesture indicates that he accepts her as the better half of his life. The heads of the bride and groom are held together. It represents that from now on, they are one in body, mind and spirit.

Kanya Daan
In the Kanyadaan ceremony, the bride's parents hand over their daughter's hand to the groom and request him to take good care of their daughter. This is followed by Vidai ceremony, when the bride leaves for her husband's house.