Beautiful Significance of Haldi Ceremony in Indian Weddings
In the Indian cuisine, haldi or turmeric holds a special place of honour in our homes. It is known for its anti-inflammatory and other healing properties, because of which it has become popular as a medicine as well. And, one area where it holds the most important place is when it comes to Indian traditions. In Indian weddings, this amazing ingredient has an entire ceremony to its name.
According to the ancient texts, there is significance for every ritual that forms a part of the Indian wedding, including the haldi ceremony. So, take a look at this wedding ritual, and its significance.
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Rituals of Haldi Ceremony
The haldi ceremony is the one in which a paste of haldi is applied on the bride and the groom’s body before their wedding. This ceremony is held at both the bride and the groom’s place, on the morning of the wedding day. In a few cultures, this ceremony is also held a day before the wedding, after the mehendi ritual. It is known by different names in different regions, like ubtan, mandha, tel baan, etc.
Image Courtesy: Neeru Bahuguna
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Traditionally, people make a paste using haldi and different ingredients according to their individual family customs. While some mix it with sandalwood powder and milk, others mix it with rose water. This paste is then applied on the bride and the groom’s face, neck, hands and feet, by their near and dear ones. This ceremony is also accompanied by traditional songs and dances at times.
In many customs, the bride and the groom also apply a small portion of this sacred paste on their unmarried friends and siblings. It is said that whoever gets touched by this paste will soon find a good looking partner.
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Why Haldi holds such special place?
To Keep Buri Nazar (Evil Eye) Away
Most people believe that the reason for applying haldi is to ward off evil spirits from affecting the bride and the groom. This is why, the bride and groom are usually not allowed to leave their home after the haldi ceremony, till their wedding mahurat. In some traditions, they are also tied a sacred red thread or given some small amulets and other items for protection against evil eye.
Auspicious Colour
The yellow colour of turmeric is considered very auspicious in the Indian traditions. The auspiciousness of this ingredient and its colour ushers in a life of prosperity for the couple, who are starting off their new life together. This is why, in many cultures the bride and groom wear yellow clothes on their wedding day as well.
Image Courtesy: Neeru Bahuguna
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For Beautification
In the olden days when cosmetic beauty treatments and parlours were not available, Indians had their own natural beauty secrets to ensure that a couple looked radiant and wonderful on their wedding day. Haldi is known to have properties that leave the skin fair and glowing.
Do you know that Haldi is also a natural hair removal remedy? If you want to know more about its amazing benefits, then Read: 7 Benefits of Turmeric for a Flawless Skin
As an Antiseptic
Since turmeric or haldi is known for its medicinal properties as well as being antiseptic, an application of this ingredient before marriage would ensure that the bride and groom are blessed with blemish-free skin. It also ensures that the couple is protected against any cuts, bruises or ailments before the wedding.
Image Courtesy: Mahima Bhatia Photography
To know more about Wedding Rituals in India, Here is: Complete Guide to Beautiful and Touching Indian Wedding Rituals
Purification of the Body
Haldi holds such an important place in Indian traditions because it also purifies and cleanses the body. It is known as an effective exfoliating agent. After the haldi ceremony, when the paste is rinsed off, it helps to get rid of dead cells and detoxifies the skin.
Image Courtesy: Mahima Bhatia Photography
Bonus for the Couple
Apart from its property of beautification, cleansing and detoxification, haldi is also known to alleviate some of the nervousness that the bride and the groom feel. Curcumin, an antioxidant that is present in turmeric, is known to work as a mild anti-depressant and a natural remedy for headaches as well. So, it is a good way to relieve wedding day anxiety and jitters. Haldi is also known to boost immunity, and also helps to soothe an upset stomach.
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Image Courtesy: Robin Saini Photography
Don't Miss Seeing: Real Couples and their Colourful Haldi Moments
Just like any other Indian ritual, Haldi ceremony too is celebrated with giggles and smiles!
