Incredible Haldi Ceremony in Hindu Marriages
- 21 March, 2017
- By Guest: Suresh Goyal
The haldi ceremony is integral part of Hindu weddings. A paste made primarily from turmeric (haldi) and then curd, sandalwood, gram flour and other ingredients is rubbed onto the bride's and groom's skin before a ritualistic bath on the wedding morning or a day prior. The families of both the bride and the groom conduct this ceremony in their respective homes. Young women of the family sing songs, crush turmeric and other ingredients and tease the about-to-be-weds as the paste is applied to their skin. The ceremony is beautiful but it is more than just a ritual. It is incredible medicinal effects as well.
Turmeric is extremely good for the skin and several skin care products have turmeric as a basic ingredient. The ubtan is a mixture of some of the most effective skin-rejuvenating ingredients, such as sandalwood, curd, gram flour and so on along with haldi. The haldi ceremony therefore ensures that the bride and groom shine through the wedding with glowing, fresh skin. One might say that the ceremony is held as a home spa and beautification routine for the soon to be newlyweds.
Most brides and grooms are a little nervous and anxious right before the ceremony. Massaging the ubtan onto the skin relaxes the body and takes their mind off the tension. In addition, turmeric has an antioxidant called curcumin that can act as a mild counter to depression and anxiety.
Turmeric is prescribed as a detoxifying agent. The application of turmeric onto the body acts as a cleanser and purifier - both literally and symbolically. As the bride and groom step into a new life, the haldi ceremony is supposed to act as a detoxifying massage. The bath afterward is meant to purify them.