Indian Muslim Wedding Traditions
The Muslim wedding ceremony in India is an event held with much fanfare. Elaborate décor and a bride decked out in the finest wedding ensemble that money can buy are just two staples of the most prestigious event in a couple's life. No expense is spared and even poor families somehow manage to scrape up enough money to afford such a magnificent event.
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Preparations
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Prior to the wedding ceremony, the bride is given special attention to ensure that she is as beautiful as possible on her wedding day. A few days prior to the wedding, female friends and family members of the bride gather to apply turmeric paste to her neck area, arms and lower legs to whiten her skin. And just one day prior to the ceremony the bride's hands and feet are ornately decorated with 'henna' paste, which leaves behind a deep red stain of the designs applied. The bride's gown is known as a 'lengha', which is a long silk skirt paired with a tunic. It is usually red or pink and is ornately decorated with the finest beads, crystals and sequins. The outfit is finished off with a long veil, or 'dupatta', draped over her head. The groom undergoes less preparation. Most Indian grooms wear a traditional outfit called 'sylwar kameez', which translates sufficiently to 'pant and shirt'. A quick trip to the barbershop and a splash of perfume is all the preparation that the groom undergoes before getting married.
The Facts
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Known as 'Nikah' in Urdu, the wedding ceremony is composed of several stages that are performed over the course of three to five days, depending on the wishes of the couple's families. The wedding ceremony takes place in a banquet hall instead of a mosque to accommodate a substantial guest list, which often ranges in the hundreds. An Imam, or a Muslim religious scholar, is present to carry out the ceremony, which commences with verses of the Holy Quran being read. Then both the bride and the groom sign the 'Nikaahnama', or marriage contract, to make the union legal.
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Features
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Following the marriage ceremony, guests are treated to a sumptuous buffet-style banquet featuring delectable appetizers, main courses and desserts. Female and male guests dine separately. Traditionally, a band of drummers provides the entertainment as music is forbidden in Islam. Following the meal, guests gather to listen to the Imam read special prayers to bless the couple. Afterwards, the Quran used in the ceremony is presented to the couple as a gift.
Cost
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The cost of an Indian wedding often ranges in the thousands of dollars, depending upon the wealth of both families. A dowry is typically paid to the bride's family, by the groom's family, and it is expected that they will use the money to provide gifts for the couple. The bride's family must also pay for her clothes and the gold jewelry she wears, although the groom's family will also present her with gold jewelry as a wedding gift. Many poor Indian families will begin saving for their child's marriage when he or she are toddlers.
Considerations
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An exorbitant wedding can often bring a poor Indian family to financial ruin. For most families, a first child's wedding is the most lavish and expensive. If there are more children in the family to get married, families often have to take out high interest loans or sell off their belongings to afford the wedding.
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References
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