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The Barat:
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Articles
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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.
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