In Indian weddings, this astonishing ingredient has an entire ceremony to its name. Indian culture has always been inspired by the science, facts and evidences.
Indian weddings are full of colorful and traditional rituals and ceremonies. According to the ancient texts, there is a significance for every ritual that forms a part of the Indian wedding. A common pre-wedding ceremony followed by many is the 'Haldi' ceremony. It is known by different names in different regions, like Ubtan, Mandha, Tel Baan, etc.
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.
But do you know why the beautiful ritual is very significant in Indian weddings? However, is it just an age-old tradition that is being followed or is there a real reason or significance of using haldi? Have you ever wondered why only turmeric is used as ubtan during this wedding celebration?
We have got some answers for you.
The colour is Auspicious
The yellow colour of turmeric is considered very auspicious and associated with spring, happiness and new beginnings in the Indian culture. There’s a role for turmeric in every ritual as it signifies purity, fertility and good health. The auspiciousness of this ingredient and its colour ushers in a life of peace and 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.
Radiant & Divine Glow
Haldi has its own natural beauty secrets. Haldi is known to have properties that leave the skin fair and glowing. It helps in removing dead skin cells only to reveal young and rejuvenated skin. It gives the skin a healthy glow, turmeric is known to brighten your skin and has various tangible benefits when it comes to the skin. The application of haldi ensures radiant and glowing skin during the most important occasion of their lives. The beautification property of haldi makes the haldi ceremony an important ritual in Indian weddings.
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.
Purifies the Body and Soul
It is known as an effective exfoliating agent. Turmeric is considered a cleanser and a purifier both literally and symbolically. After the haldi ceremony, when the paste is rinsed off, it helps to get rid of dead cells and detoxifies the skin. Haldi is known to purify and cleanse the body of the couple entering into holy matrimony. As the bride and the groom take a step towards the new beginning, the haldi ceremony plays a role as a purifying ritual.
Curbs the Pre-Wedding Jitters
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. It makes for a good remedy to calm the nervous mind.
A Symbol of Blessings
The ritual is meant to prepare the bride and groom for the wedding. The ceremony ends with the elders giving their blessings to the bride and the groom as they prepare themselves for the new journey. It also helps them relax and enjoy their day with full joy and less nervousness. According to Indian customs, all the married ladies of the house apply haldi to the bride and the groom in order to bless them with a long and strong relationship. It is also believed to protect the bride and the groom from any bad omen that might harm them before the big day.
Helps unmarried ones marry soon
Yes, that’s absolutely right! In case any one of you wants to get married, attend this ceremony and apply some of the haldi on your face or ask the bride or groom to do the honour for you and it is believed that it would help you marry soon. If the bride or the groom applies the magical turmeric paste on their unmarried friends or cousins, they are tend to get married soon.
Now you know why this age-old custom of applying haldi on the bride and groom is being followed since so many years. If you know of any other reason, do let us know!
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