Hyderabadi Weddings Traditional Muslim weddings are quite sober yet fun to be in. Hyderabadi weddings include pure Hyderabadi stuff like the marfa band, the tradition of distributing dry fruits immediately after Nikah. Then, there is the culture of using carts for taking fruits, bride’s clothes in dishes. It’s completely unique in its own way. What is the best aspect of a Hyderabadi shaadi? For me, it is the Nawabi style that people act with. From groom’s parents to bride’s parents, every individual does everything in style. From clothes to food, everything is done in relaxed and calm fashion. That’s how people have always been. It is known as the city of Nawabs and the Nawabi culture still has a deep impact on the people of Hyderabad. The wedding preparations are done till the time groom and bride leaves for the wedding function hall. That’s how Nawabs have always been. Apart from that, if you look at the Hyderabadi groom wear especially the sherwani designs and the Indian bridal wear tradition, you would realize how strong influence the Nizams and other Nawabs have on its people. Even the Indian turban that’s popularly used in the marriages represents the Nawabi tradition. This unique appearance of men and women is delight for the eyes. For fashion lovers and those who love historic traditions, a true Hyderabadi shaadi is the event to be in. It is great and you would have a great time being at it. There Nawabi style of doing things at the wedding are known throughout the world and most people who’ve seen it simply love it.

Engagement Engagement is a ceremony where the groom and bride exchange rings. This ceremony signifies that the couple and their families are now bond in a new relationship and this is the first step in their newly formed relationship.

Pawmis Ka Rasam Pawmis ka rasam takes place in the period between engagement ceremony and nikah. In this rasam the groom’s family comes to the bride’s house and take measurements for her wedding clothes, sandals and bangles. It is a small ceremony which is attended by the close family members only.

Manja Manja day is special for the bridal family, where every member of the bride and groom wear yellow clothes. Manja usually last from 1 to 6 days depending on guests coming each day before the marriage giving her their blessings and wishes by applying turmeric paste on her, as it’s good for the bride in whitening her skin and giving glow and a fresh look before her marriage. Manja is also done for the groom but it’s usually a quiet and short affair unlike the bride.

Sanchk Sanchk as in mehndi it’s a day right before marriage everyone wears henna on their hands and legs and the bride apply henna on her hands and legs, husband name  written by henna on the bride’s hand . Everyone wears green and as well the bride and the grooms family brings the all gifts and things which are bought for the bride which she will be wearing on her wedding day and valima. The groom’s family comes to the bride’s house with relatives and adorns her with all the gold jewelry, wedding and reception clothes, besides other dresses and accessories they got for her. In short, they make her “the bride”.

Mehndi In Mehndi rasam, the bride’s family goes to the groom’s house with all the gifts for the groom. There takes place a small ritual where one of the younger sisters of the bride applies mehndi/henna to the groom’s finger and holds it tight without letting him go until the groom agrees to pay the amount she is asking for. It’s a fun filled ritual where everyone of the guests enjoy watching the ceremony where the groom and his sister-in-law keep negotiating on the amount, and the groom trying to pull his finger off, etc. Finally, when they agree upon an amount mutually, the sisters-in-law receive the money from the groom and let him go. This is followed by dinner or snacks and everyone proceeds to their homes respectively.

Jahez Jahez could include anything that the bride’s family is willing to give to their daughter in her marriage. It could include the bed set, furniture, electronics, clothes, jewelry, accessories etc. Some people even gift their daughter’s property or car or anything they wish for. Though it is not a compulsion, some families demand certain things from the bride’s family as part of jahez. Jahez in other words is dowry and it is now an illegal act unless the families mutually agreed upon.

Nikah Nikah is the main day when the actual wedding takes place in presence of Qazi. The bride wears red The groom and the bride sign few papers separately in presence of some witnesses and Qazi, followed by a short prayer to give blessings for the wellness of the newly wedded couple. Nikah is then followed by dinner. After the dinner the groom comes from the mens’ section to the bride or women section and they are made to sit together on the stage. One of the eldest members of the family comes and makes the couple wear garlands and gifts them.

Marfa Band To highlight the wedding day, the families call the Marfa band and dance to the tunes of the band members. Mostly the men dance and everyone enjoys watching them. This is usually done to mark the happiness of the newly wedded couple.

Ruksati After all the ceremonies have taken place it’s time for the bride and her family to bid farewell to each other. Since the bride is leaving her own family to be taken to her husband and new family, she becomes nervous and sad besides the happiness of being married. It’s the most difficult part of the wedding both for the bride and her parents as they now need to say bye to each other. The bride cries exchanging hugs with her parents before being taken away to her new house, the groom and the bride car is decorated by followers. She is welcomed by her new family and they make her feel at home by making the couple play some simple and fun filled games. Their room and the bed should be decorated by fresh natural roses and flowers

Valima Valima or reception party is the party hosted by the groom’s family post the wedding. It could be held the very next day of the wedding or in another couple of days. All of the relatives of the bride’s family are invited for the ceremony. There is no specific ritual or rasam that takes place this day but it’s just a dinner party.

Jumagi The word Jumagi comes from the word “Juma” or Friday as the party is hosted on Fridays after the wedding. It depends on the families on how many weeks they want to host a party for the newly married couple. Only a few close relatives are invited for the ceremony and the couple receives gifts from their near and dear ones. Done by: Rasha Humaid Notice: You can contact me on this email address : Rasha-humaid@live.com