The Marathi people or Maharashtrians inhabit the Maharashtra region and state of western India. Marathi is a southern Indo-Aryan language. It has one of the oldest literatures, dating back more than 1000 years. Marathi is a sweet language with two major dialects Standard Marathi and Warhadi Marathi. The community came to prominence when Maratha warriors under Shivaji Maharaj established the Maratha Empire (1674).
Besides Maharashtra, Marathi matrimonial resides in other states of India like Gujarat, Goa, Delhi, and Karnataka. Marathi’s are settled in other parts of the world like the USA, UK and Australia. Often Marathi is known for unique surname that start the name of their ancestors and ends with "Kar". Maratha, Maratha Kunbi, Brahmin Deshastha, Brahmin Gowd Saraswat, Brahmin kokanastha and Bhandari are some prominent castes in Marathi community.
Marathi people have a distinct story of culture, social structure, religious practices, art and literature. Marathi matrimony believes in simple and least opulent marriage ceremony. Some of the main Hindu wedding ceremonies are listed ahead. Muhurt karane - It marks the start of the preparation of marriage. Kelvan - The family deity (kuldevta) is worshipped. Ganpatipujan and Gaurihar puja - The prayer of God Ganesha and Goddess Annapurna to seek their blessings. Baarat - The procession by which groom comes to bride’s house. Singing Magalashtaka - Blessing given to wedding couple by songs and prayers. Sanskar - The taking of the oath in witness of God Fire. Varat - The bride says good bye to her family. Grihpravesh - Entry of girls into the groom’s place. Soonmukh baghane - The 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. However, in modern times, with the lack of time and space some of the rituals are going away from their wedding celebration.
