customs
Nose Rings: Trendy or Significant?
Nose rings are one of the ancient jewellery and has been widely worn by females, since 16th century. Some observe that nose stud was not used during ancient times and it was introduced by invaders during the 11th century. So whenever it came to India, it is widely popular even today.
Symbol of Marriage:
Nose ring or stud is worn by married and unmarried girls, yet in few Hindu societies it is a symbol of marriage. It is considered as one of the 16 sringar for married women. Various Indian communities have a tradition of wearing nose ring during marriage ceremonies. Though the position of the nose may vary from culture to culture like left side, right side or septum (between the nostrils).
Health benefits:
It is said that the left side of the nostril is associated with the reproductive organs of the females. So the piercing in this side of the nose makes the delivery or child birth easier. It also reduces the menstrual cramps every month.
Religious Importance:
Apart from the cultural value, the nose piercing is considered as a gesture to adore and honour Goddess Parvati. Being associated with marriage and love towards her spouse, the women wear nose ring to please the Goddess.
Nowadays people have started wearing this ornament as a fashion statement. The acceptability of nose stud is widely increasing among the people of west and also in the work culture. It also makes the women look appealing and beautiful.
Aura of Positivity: Why do we perform post wedding ceremonies?
Indian weddings are all about a festive celebration among two families, that unites them together in the auspicious bond of love. Traditional values and cultures are most highlighted during the ceremonies beginning from engagement to the wedding day. Yet the big fat wedding doesn’t end here till the newly-wed couple arrives at the door of the house, thinking it to be the completion of all the customs but to their surprise so much more is waiting for them.
Indians must have experienced or watched the post wedding customs in all the drama series and movies on television, in which the bride and groom are warmly welcomed by the groom’s family at the door step. Here we’ll discuss further about their relevance.
Dwar-Roka Ceremony:
The Dwar Roka ceremony is performed in which the couple is not allowed to enter the house, until the groom gives some expensive gift or cash to her sister and other cousins. The sister-in-law demands a gift from her brother as it is a symbol of the beginning of new relationships and ties a hot and sweet bond between the bride and her sister-in-law.
Griha-Pravesh Ceremony:
Then the mother-in-law welcomes the couple with the traditional ‘Aarti’ and the bride enters with her right foot and kicks a vessel filled with rice and coins. The Griha pravesh ceremony is a house warming ceremony to fill up the space with kindness, tolerance, patience, generosity, humility and selfless love. By kicking the vessel at the doorstep, it symbolise the beginning of new era for the family and it denotes the arrival of happiness and wealth in her marital home. Bride being the symbol of Goddess Lakshmi, is the sign of wealth and prosperity, thus it signifies the arrival of wealth and prosperity. The reference of ‘Kalash’ has also been made in the Rigveda considering it a symbol of prosperity. It is a literal cosmos transceiver.
These ceremonies neutralises the evil aura, inside and outside the house, removing all the negative energies and bringing a new ray of positivity along with the new bride.
Contributed By: Meenakshi Ahuja
Shubhpuja.com 