Maharashtra is a western state in India that boasts a rich culture and heritage with a unique combination of Northern Aryan and Southern Dravidian group. Maharashtra is the richest state in India, contributing in large percentage to country’s industrial output and GDP. Brahmin Deshastha, Brahmin Gowd Saraswat, Brahmin kokanastha, Bhandari, Maratha and Kunbi are some of the prominent caste system in Maharashtra.
Maharashtra shows multicultural identity each following different way of celebrating festivals and marriages. Marathi people have a distinct story of culture, social structure, religious practices, art and literature. A wedding in Maharashtra is a social gathering celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm.
Marathi matrimony generally believes in simple and least opulent marriage ceremony. Some of the main Hindu Marathi wedding ceremony includes muhurt karane (start preparation of marriage), kelvan (puja of their family deity kuldevta), Ganpatipujan and Gaurihar puja (prayer to God Ganesh and Goddess Annapurna), Baarat (groom procession), singing magalashtaka (blessing to wedding couple), kanyadaan, Laxmi Narayan Puja, taking sanskar (taking oath in witness of God Fire), varat (bride saying good bye to her family), grihpravesh (moving to groom’s place) and soonmukh baghane (groom’s mother sit between wedding couple and see bride face in the mirror).
The Marathi community gives more emphasis on Sanskar wherein Marathi matrimonial starts Grihasthashram by taking a vow to unite and remain together all through their lives while practicing artha, kama, dharma and moksha. Marathi wedding is an undemanding affair with few lighter customs to enjoy in the wedding ceremony.
Each region of Maharashtra like Deccan plateau, coastal Konkan, Malavali region and Vidarbha region has different flavors of customs, rituals and food in a marriage ceremony.
