Baraat

Baraat (, ) () or Varayatra () is a groom's wedding procession in the Indian subcontinent. In North India, it is customary for the bridegroom to travel to the wedding venue (often the bride's house) on a mare (or vintage car nowadays and chariots or elephants in the past), accompanied by his family members.

The ''baraat'' can become a large procession, with booking its own band, dancers, and budget. The groom and his horse are covered in finery and do not usually take part in the dancing and singing; that is left to the "''baraatis''" or people accompanying the procession. The groom usually carries a sword. The term ''baraati'' is also more generically used to describe any invitee from the groom's side. Traditionally, ''baraatis'' are attended to as guests of the bride's family.

The ''baraat'', headed by a display of fireworks and accompanied by the rhythm of the dhol, reaches the meeting point, where the elders of both the families meet. In Indian Hindu weddings, the groom is greeted with garlands, tilak and aarti. In traditional Indian weddings, ''baraats'' are welcomed at the wedding venue with the sound of ''shehnais or nadaswaram'', which are considered auspicious at weddings by Hindus.

Etymology

The word ''Baraat'' is derived from Sanskrit word ''Varayātrā'' (वरयात्रा) literally meaning groom's procession. In Bengali, the baraat is usually referred to as "Borjatri" (বরযাত্রী) when the groom along with his family members, friends and closest relatives leave for the bride's home which is the venue of the marriage.

Dogra Baraat

In Dogra tradition, baraat is organized with great pomp and show. It is also known as ''Janjh'' in Dogri. When the groom gets ready, he is adorned with Sehra by his maternal uncle. This is known as ''Sehrabandhi''. After this, ''Ghodi-chadha'' takes place where groom rides the horse with sword in his hand. The horse is offered fodder and chana daal. The sisters of groom adorn groom with necklaces of gold or silver or even currency notes. Dogri folk songs called ''ghodia'' are sung. And sisters in law apply kajal on groom's eyes. Dhol and musical instruments are played and the family members and friends of groom dance in joy. The baraat halts temporarily at local Mandir for ''darshan''. This ceremony is called ''Dev Karaj''. In older times, when baraat used to travel long distances, then women of household used to stay at home. They would celebrate the marriage by performing ''Jagarna'' dance. When the baraat reaches wedding venue, fireworks are displayed. The groom is welcomed by his mother in law by applying tilak & aarti and offering him sweets and Dogra dish ''Suchi''. After this, the ceremony of ''Milini'' takes place. Relatives of both the groom and bride meet and exchange gifts. Ladies from the bride's side may then sing a special song called ''sidnya'' (humorous song). After the completion of wedding rituals, the groom typically will bring the bride to his home.

Kauravi Baraat

The Kuru region comprises parts of Western Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, parts of Haryana and Lower Uttarakhand; where Kauravi dialect is spoken. The region has its distinct culture and nupital traditions.

In this region, Baraat consists of traditions like ''Ghudchadhi'', ''Mandir darshan'', ''Janvāsā'' etc. ''Ghudchadhi'' is the ceremony where bridegroom rides over the horse. The procession of family members and friends then proceeds to a Mandir to seek blessings. After that baraat reaching the wedding venue is welcomed and rest marriage ceremonies are completed. The bridegroom then brings bride from ''Janvāsā'' to his home.

Marathi Varaat

In Marathi tradition, bridegroom's procession is called Varaat''' and is accompanied by family members and relatives. After completion of wedding customs, the bride and groom carry the silver image of Goddess Gauri which the bride had worshipped during ''Gaurihar Puja'' (custom performed before the beginning of wedding).

Kumaoni Baraat

In Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, ''Baraat'' is associated with special nupital songs called ''Phaag'' which are initiated by a priestess. The procession is a accompanied with band which plays instruments like ''dhol'' & ''dammu''. On arrival at wedding venue, the groom is welcomed by bride's family by applying ''tilak'', performing ''aarti.'' This ceremony is known as ''Dulighray.''

Odia Baraat or Barjaatri or Varanugaman

In Odia language, Baraat is also called ''Barjaatri'' or ''Varanugaman'' where ''Bar'' ''(Var)'' means groom, ''jaatra'' ''(yaatra)'' means procession/journey and ''anugaman'' means arrival. In this ceremonial procession the groom and his family members and friends arrive at the wedding ''mandap'' amid great pomp and magnificence. Aarti and Tilak of groom is performed and he is also offered curd mixed with honey or jaggery.

Bengali Boraat or Borjatri

In Bengali tradition, ''Bor Jatri'' is basically the ''baraat'', where the groom, his family and friends dress up for the wedding and start their journey to the bride’s house or the wedding venue. After the ''bor jatri'' or the ''baraat'' reaches the bride’s place, the bride’s mother along with other family members welcome the groom by blowing ''shankhs'' (conch shells) and his side of the family by doing ''aarti'' with the holy lamp and serving the sweets and drinks.

Punjabi Baraat

Both men and women participate in the procession of a Punjabi ''baraat'' (also known as ''jaññ''). Close male relatives of both the bride and groom always wear turbans, which indicates honor. When the ''baraat'' arrives at the wedding venue, a ceremony known as the (literally, ''meeting'' or ''merger'') is carried out, in which equivalent relatives from the groom and bride's sides greet each other.

Rajput Baraat

The bridegroom is usually dressed in a gold achkan, with an orange turban and a churidar or jodhpurs with juttis. The baraat members also must wear achkans or sherwanis with jodhpurs and safas (colorful turbans). The procession to the bride's house looks rather regal as there is absolutely no dancing on the streets by the baraatis. In fact, all members, including the groom who rides an elephant or a female horse, carry swords. The horse is important for Rajputs.

Gujarati Baraat or Varghodo

In a Gujarati wedding, the groom arrives at the bride's house on a horse and is followed by a dancing procession led by his family members and friends is called ''Varghodo'' or ''Jaan''. They are also accompanied by a group of band members playing instrumental music. The groom, in reverence, touches feet of mother-in-law. A playful ritual where mother in law grabs nose of groom is performed which is a reminder to groom that mother-in-law is giving her beloved and precious daughter to him, so he should be humble and grateful.

Nepali-Sikkimese Baraat or Janti

In Nepal and Sikkim state of India, ''Baraat'' is also known by the name ''Janti & Baryatra. Janti'' or ''Baryatra'' is the groom's wedding procession which goes from his house to the bride's to bring her to his house. The ''Janti'' consisting of the groom's family members, relatives and friends, sets out for the bride's home. It is accompanied by a musical band, indulges in dance and merrymaking all along the way.

Maithil baraat

Telugu Edurukolu

In Telugu weddings, ''Edurukolu'' ceremony is the equivalent of Baraat ceremony. In ''Edurukolu'' ceremony, the groom's procession is grandly welcomed by the bride's party amidst traditional music of Nadaswaram'/'Sannai'' ''Melam'''. The groom and his parents are specially welcomed by the bride's parents when the bride's mother applies ' kumkum' on the groom's and his mother's forehead followed by ' Harati' (waving the plate with burning camphor) to the groom.

Kannada/Tulu Dibbana

The wedding processions in Kannada & Tuluva tradition are referred to as ''Dibbana''. The start of ''Dibbana'' procession is preceded by ''Vāhana Pujā'' where prayer is performed using ''kumkum'' & coconut for safe journey of the groom. The groom and his family members and friends adorn ''Peta'' (Mysore cap). Musicians play instruments like ''nadaswaram.'' On arrival at marriage venue, groom is welcomed using ''Akshat'' (rice) and ''Aarti''.

Tamil Janavasam

The groom's procession in Tamil tradition is known by the name ''Janavasam''. During ''Janavasam'', the groom boards a beautifully decorated car. He is accompanied by a large marriage procession of close friends and relatives. Professional musicians are invited to entertain the procession, by playing traditional wedding songs. Fireworks form a part of the marriage celebrations. The bride's brother puts garland around the groom's neck, in order to welcome him at the entrance of the ''kalyana mandapam'' (wedding hall).

Rajasthani Baraat

Baarat on camels is a traditional feature of wedding processions in Rajasthan, India. Camels have been an integral part of Rajasthani culture for centuries, serving as a primary mode of transportation and a symbol of wealth and status. In a typical Rajasthani wedding, the groom arrives at the bride’s home or the wedding venue on camel itself or a cart pulled by a camel decorated with fabrics and embroidery. The groom, dressed in traditional attire, often wears a turban and carries a ceremonial sword.

The baarat is accompanied by a lively procession of family members, friends, and musicians. Traditional Rajasthani folk music and dance, including the Ghoomar dance, are performed to celebrate the joyous event.

Controversies

Being a tradition of affluence practiced by forward-caste communities, violence against Dalit communities who choose to practice it have increased. Brides have begun riding horses, a tradition restricted to grooms in the past.

Calls for horse-free weddings in light of cruelty towards the horses and other animals involved have been garnering increased attention, with revisionist modifications to the traditions not involving the exploitation of animals being increasingly preferred.

PETA India launched a campaign urging against the involvement of horses in wedding ceremonies while highlighting the use of spiked bits that are prohibited under Rule 8 of The Prevention of Cruelty to Draught and Pack Animals Rules, 1965. Malnourishment and cruelty in terms of exposure to loud noises and crowds were also highlighted.

The Indian organization People for Animals that horses are sentient beings capable of experiencing pain and has promoted alternatives such as the traditions of using palanquins.

References

External links

{{Indian wedding

Marriage, unions and partnerships in Pakistan
Marriage in Hinduism
Hindu wedding rituals
Indian wedding traditions