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| Tilak Ceremony in Hindu Weddings |
One of the most important pre-wedding
ceremonies is the Tilak. It holds an importance in traditional Hindu customs as
regards to its auspiciousness. The Ceremony
varies from one state to another and also distinct in case of diverse castes
and creeds. Tilak is generally put by
the male members of the groom's family using Kumkum, the red vermillion which
is not used by the female members of the family.
Tilak is usually held at the groom's
residence or often held in temples so that the groom is blessed by the Almighty
before beginning his married life. The bride's father offers gifts ranging from
fruits to clothes, goods and sweets to the groom and his family during the
ceremony. The groom’s father sends sugar, coconut, rice, clothes, jewelry and
henna to the bride's family in exchange. Generally the groom’s relatives carry
these objects to the bride's house with much gaiety.
The ceremony is equally important for
the bride's family as well. Offering Tilak on the forehead of the groom ensures
a loving husband for their daughter, who would look after her and also shoulder
her responsibilities all along her life.
A different form of Tilak Ceremony is
the Chenky ceremony which is not attended by the bride and her mother. But other
members of the family attend the ceremony and participate in the celebration
accompanied by dance shows, music and live performances by vocalists singing
traditional songs.
The ceremony is the first step
towards strengthening the new relationship between the two families. The
significance of the ceremony lies in the fact that both the families celebrate
their new bond with joy and merriment. It is therefore one of the most
important pre wedding ceremonies in India.
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