The Customs and Traditions of the Naagar Community usually stands out among those of the other communities. Hence, a member of the Naagar community is not difficult to recognize in a group of many people!
The Naagar Community believes in the worship of Shiva and Shakti. Every Naagar makes it a habit to perform Puja everyday. They also recite the Shiv Mahimna Stotra and other religious chants. History has it that the Naagar Community does not mix around much with the people of other castes. The idea of eating outside or eating food prepared by somebody not belonging to the Naagar Community was taboo (This would be vehemently untrue in today’s context but this was the case in the olden times!). After a child is born, there are three ceremonies which are performed:
- Naamkaran (Ceremony for deciding on a name for the child)
- Janoi (Yagnopavit)
- Marriage
Unlike today, the Janoi ceremony was given much importance 30 to 40 years ago. The much enjoyed part of the ceremony was that of the maternal uncle chasing the child to get him back. There was kind of joy which people used to get watching all these hilarious pranks being performed by the child.
There were certain rules, which were followed in the olden days before and after having food. No one even dared to put anything in the mouth before having a bath-for that matter, even cook the food. Before the family members start eating, the food would be symbolically served to the Lord. There was a custom of wearing an Abotiyu while having food. It is an unwritten rule that at least once in a day, all the members of the family should sit and have food together.
The Marriage ceremony is carried out with a lot of pomp and celebration. The importance of festivity is observed rather than that of the materialistic approach of dowry and unnecessary glamour. The marriage ceremony also comprises of Vruddh Shradh, Varghodo, Kanyadaan, Madhupark, Saptapadi, Dhruvdarshan and Kanya Viday. Before the marriage ceremony the bride made to sit near an idol of Lord Ganesha and the holy chants of Suryadev (The Sun God) are recited. This custom is seen only in the Naagar Community. Usually the marriage along with the related ceremonies takes around four days to be completed. Some Naagars also perform the Navchandi yagna on any auspicious occasion.
The Vruddh Shradh is carried out for the deceased members of the family. Any auspicious occasion or ceremony is started by first praying to the Lord Ganesha and remembering the dead and seeking blessings from their souls. After the Vruddh Shradh is performed, the ceremony does not stop for any reason whatsoever.
The singing of Manglashtak follows the Hastamelaap when the actual marriage ceremony takes place. There is also a custom of singing the Jodaknas when the newly wed couple is leaving the marriage hall. The things that are appreciated or not liked about any of the family members of the bride or the groom are conveyed in these Jodaknas- and no one feels bad about this for once!
The Naagar bride is dressed in a white sari (also called Paanetar) which is decorated all over by kumkum. The complete Customs are as follows:
Chandlo: Acceptance of the alliance
The 'chandlo' (applying the vermilion mark on the forehead) announces the acceptance of the alliance between the two families. This ceremony is usually observed after the matrimonial alliance is fixed but before the wedding date is fixed. A priest or 'pujari' officiates at this ceremony and blesses the couple by applying the 'chandlo' on their foreheads. The couple then exchanges garlands and the families exchange gifts given for the bride and groom
Ganesh Sthapan / Ganesh Matli: Commencement of all marriage rituals
The Ganesh 'puja' signals the start of all the festivities. The 'Ganesh Sthapan' is a small family function wherein the priest invokes the blessings of
Lord Ganesha. The 'puja' is performed in both homes by the paternal aunts or 'phois'. In return for their efforts the 'phois' receive lavish gifts.
Garba: Traditional Gujarati dance
The 'Garba raas', a graceful Gujarati folk dance captures the essence of celebration and is performed in large circles by women singing and dancing to the beat of the 'dhol' (drum). The men join in for the 'dandia raas', a rhythmic dance performed with sticks or 'dandias'.
The Garba is normally held after 8 p.m. up until midnight.
Pithi: Beautification rituals
The 'pithi' ceremony is performed simultaneously in both homes and prepares the bride and groom for the nuptials. A paste called 'pithi' made of sandalwood powder, turmeric, herbs, aromatic oils and rose water is prepared and applied on the faces, arms and legs of the bride by members of her family.
The groom undergoes a similar ritual in his home.
Mandva Mahurat & Griha Shanti: Constructing the canopy for the wedding rites
This ceremony bears a deep religious significance because the parents of the couple seek the blessings of Mother Earth and ask permission to commence with the digging of the soil to erect the 'mandva' or 'mandap' (platform erected for the wedding rites covered with a canopy). A priest conducts the ceremony where a pole is erected to symbolize the consecration of the 'mandva'.
'Griha Shanti', a ceremony conducted to seek the blessings of all the nine planets, immediately follows the 'mandva mahurat'.
Mosaalu: The bride receives gifts from her maternal uncle
The custom of 'mosaalu' originated centuries ago when there were no legal rights existing for daughters. It was customary for the parents to start making provisions for their daughter by gifting her with things on occasions like 'rakshabandhan' or 'bhaibheej'. These gifts accumulated as 'streedhan' (daughter's wealth). When the girl grows up and gets married the 'mama' or maternal uncle comes with the 'mosaalu' consisting of clothes, jewellery and other gift items including the traditional 'paanetar' (silk wedding sari - usually white with red border) and 'choodo' (ivory bangle - now replaced with acrylic or plastic). The 'mosaalu' ceremony takes place one day before the wedding.
Lagna: The wedding ceremony
The 'lagna' or wedding ceremony is broken up into the following segments:
Varghodo: Groom's procession
The groom, dressed in all his finery and accompanied by his close friends and family proceeds to the bride's home in a decorated car. Here, the modern day vehicle has replaced the traditional mare! The groom's sister is his constant companion and keeps jingling the 'looni' (small steel bowl filled with betel nuts) near his ear all throughout the procession! This is to keep him alert about everything that is happening around him.
On disembarking at the wedding venue the groom is greeted by the bride's family and accorded the traditional 'aarti' welcome.
Varmala: The couple exchanges garlands
The groom is welcomed by the bride's mother with an 'aarti' and 'pookhana' (4 small sticks). The bride is then escorted to welcome the groom and proceeds to garland him and he reciprocates. The groom is then led to the wedding 'mandap' while the bride returns to her room. The priest begins the wedding rites with the bride's parents seated around the sacred fire.
Mangalashtak: Verses glorifying Lord Ganesha and asking for the well being of the couple
These are a series of four lined verses with eight stanzas glorifying Lord Ganesha. The singing of the 'mangalastak' is a very distinct feature of marriages in the Naagar Brahmin community.
Kanyadaan: Giving away the bride
Before the 'kanyadaan' can begin the bride's parents renew their own marriage vows. The bride is then led into the 'mandap' by her 'mama' or maternal uncle. She is seated opposite the groom on a 'paatla' or 'aasan' (low stool) and her parents perform the ' kanyadaan' ceremony by placing her hands into those of the groom's.
Hasthamelaap: Tying of the marital knot
The bride and groom's hands are tied with a cloth in a symbolic marital knot and they take vows to honour their commitment to each other.
Pheras: Seven steps around the sacred fire
Also known as 'saptapadi', the 'pheras' are performed immediately after the 'hasthamilap' ceremony. Here, the bride and groom walk around the sacred fire seven times repeating their marital vows. At the beginning of each 'parikrama' or circumvention, a vow is taken. The couple is then proclaimed man and wife and the ceremony is completed with the groom tying the 'mangalsutra' on the bride.
The couple then leaves the 'mandap' to seek the blessings of the elders of both families by touching their feet.
Vidai: Bridal send off
After the 'lagna', the bride leaves her parental home in a 'doli' or palanquin. These days a decorated car usually replaces the palanquin. A ceremony wrought with emotion it is symbolic of the severing of the bride's rights in her parent's home as she now belongs to her 'sasural' (in-laws home). As she leaves, her brother presents her with a shawl, which is worn by her for the journey.
Before leaving for the marital home, the bride and groom apply wet 'kumkum' (vermilion) on their palms and put their imprints on the outside wall of the house or near the 'Ganesha Sthapan'. It is important to conduct the 'vidai' ceremony at an auspicious time.
Reception: Post wedding celebrations
Though a Western concept, the reception has become an integral part of most Indian marriages. The couple's parents host a lavish banquet for their families and friends wherein the bride and groom are introduced as a married couple and are congratulated by all. The reception is usually held in a hotel or a marriage hall.
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