All about Rituals & Food at Gujarati Weddings

Indian culture is very diverse and colorful. I always get amused to see how every state portrays itself different from another. This beautiful diversity can be seen in every aspect, be it the dressing style of people, language or food habits, every place is unique in itself. Solemnizing the relationship of two souls, Guajarati wedding too are fun filled ceremonies. According to Gujarati conventions, wife is her husband's Sahdharmacharini or an equal partner and the weddings here are considered as holy affairs.

Like other Indian communities, Gujarati community also believes in traditional customs and religiously follows their family rituals. Weddings happen during daylight, and rituals are performed in front of sacred fire. Some of popular rituals in Gujarati matrimony include:

Jaan: Groom arrives his bride's house and seeks blessings of his mother-in-law.

Antarpaat: Maternal uncle of the bride carries her to the mandap and then groom and bride exchange garlands.

Madhuparka: Milk and honey are offered to groom, and this is followed by a custom where bride’s sisters hide groom’s shoes.

Hasta Milap: Bride’s chunni is tied to groom’s stole, and priest chants holy hymns and blesses bride and groom. Family members also bless the couple, and sprinkle rice and rose petals on them as a token of love and blessings.

Kanya Daan: It’s a very emotional moment, where parents of the bride give away her to groom.

Saptapadi: The couple takes seven steps around sacred fire with each step; bride and groom make vows to each other.

Vidai: After conclusion of ceremonies in Gujarati matrimony, bride leaves her father’s home and enters her husband's home.

The Food!

Gujarati community which is home to a number of lip smacking and scrumptious food items, hosts a range of food products which are very spicy, sweet and sour, and healthy at the same time. This specific characteristic of Gujarati cuisine makes it stand apart from other culinary traditions of India.

Gujarati cuisine is purely vegetarian diet, which includes a range of mouth watery and sumptuous recipes. To have the best food in your wedding, you can contact the caterers who have a good reputation and who can cook to savor the taste buds of the people attending wedding. Make sure that your special guests find some lip-smacking items.

Alike celebrations, foods are also very simple affairs. Gujarati people believe in following their traditions religiously and this is evident in their food habits. Most of Gujarati community is vegetarian. Exceptions are there though, but weddings are a total vegetarian affair.

Gujarati cuisine is a perfect blend of blend of exquisite flavors and textures. A typical Gujarati Thali, which is usually served in Gujarati matrimony celebrations include a range of food items and various types of desserts. There is an endless list included in a Gujarati thali, which are loved by foodies all over the world.

Other dishes like Chakri, Fafda, Ghanthia, Khakhra, Lasaniya mamra, Patra and Dhokla, among others are presented as snacks. I had not seen such excellent usage of vegetables and lentils in the food of other communities.

Among desserts, Jadariyu, Sutarfeni, Halvasan, Malpua, Basundi, Ghevar, Sukhadi and others are most popular delicacies which are loved by both Gujarati and non-Gujarati people. Gujarati community is very fond of food, and makes generous use of salt, sugar and chilies in their food preparations.

Type of food arrangement at a wedding depends entirely on the native place of the families. Areas like South Gujarat, North Gujarat, Kathiawad and Kutch follow their own culture and have their different food habits.

Weddings are fun and rituals are deeply rooted in customs and traditions. Being a unique combination of traditions and simplicity, Gujarati weddings are indeed a sheer delight to witness!