You must be wondering, why this title! Well, if you analyze, Reception is done to introduce the bride to all the relatives and the friends of the Groom’s family. Generally, this post wedding ceremony is celebrated immediately after the marriage or after a few days of the marriage. Nowadays, it so happens that receptions are a big deal and is observed with the same pomp and show as the marriage. The difference lies in the fact that, mostly Hindu marriage is arranged by the bride’s family and the reception is arranged by the Groom’s family.
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India, being a land of diversity, is rich in culture and heritage. So, ceremonies differ from religion to religion and place to place, as each is guided by their own customs and norms. Usually, the reception party is held after the wedding day and is attended by the friends and relatives from both the families, who essentially gather to celebrate with the newly wedded couple.
Rituals? No, this does not fall under the rituals of Sanatana Dharma!
The wedding reception is purely a society evolved practice. This has no connection with the rituals founded by our ancestors. Basically, you can say that this is a custom inherited by the Western Culture. If we speak about how this is done then it differs from place to place.
India being a diversified country with different cultures residing in different regions, have their own set of beliefs. The reception takes place in a variety of ways and is normally a function for the first appearance of the Bride and the Groom together.
Certain Other Important Post-wedding Rituals
Satraat
The bride goes to visit her parents in the evening. Her husband and a couple of children, probably those of her sister-in-law, accompany her. The parents of the bride give the bride a set of new clothes and some salt and cash. The groom is also presented with new clothes including a dusa (six-yard pashmina shawl). The bride and the groom change into new clothes before returning to the groom’s house.
Phirlath
This is the ceremony that takes place when the couple visits the bride’s parents for the second time. Once again, they are given new clothes to mark the occasion.
Roth Khabar
On a Saturday or Tuesday after the wedding, the bride’s parents send a rothor a traditional, long freshly baked cake (bread decorated with nuts), to their son-in-law’s family. Then she is given salt as shagun.
Gar Atchun
This is equivalent to the modern-day reception held at the girl’s place. The bride’s brother and sister come to the marital home and escort the bride back to her parent’s home for one day. This ritual is known as the Gar Atchun. The bride wears all the jewelry given to her by her in-laws and proceeds to her parent’s home. The bride’s family prepares a lavish spread of non-vegetarian delicacies for the relatives from both homes. After the grand meal, the bride and groom return to the marital home, carrying with them all the gifts presented to the bride by her parents. It marks off the beginning of a fruitful and happy life for the couple and their families.