Marriage Cover Story

In Bangladesh weddings have always been special occasions, celebrated with zest, enthusiasm, and, in the case of the wealthy, elaborate settings and food. But as a growing economy pumps new wealth into the country, weddings have turned into veritable showpieces - and a huge industry. For centuries, friends and family chanted songs, youngsters danced, and cooks dished out traditional delicacies when the wedding festivities got under way.
Photo by J. Alam/Machizo
Text source: Independent (Magazine, 2006)

Traditional affair

The marriage ceremony is the top most pompous and interesting among the entire social ceremonies in Bangladesh. It is one of the main festivals to poor, middle even upper class people. People of all classes spend their utmost economic ability for this purpose. Hence, Bengali people are very free to spend more for this ceremony. It has been centenary from a long time. In ancient time, bribe did not have any choice to choose her husband. The parents of bride took all types of decision regarding bride. At present, the environment Has been changed due to women education. Now a day, the women education has developed in Bangladesh. In Different sector, women have developed. At the same time, the dignity of women has increased. So, now a days, the personal choice of bribe regarding marry is bride got importance. There some interesting stage in Bengali marriage ceremony. Such as Panchini (engagement), Gaye halud, Biye, Bashar Shajja, Bou-Bhat etc. Of cource, another some functions are also arranged depends on the financial ability of the people.
Photo by J. Alam/Machizo
Text source: Independent (Magazine, 2006)

Panchini (engagement)

It is the first stage of pompous Bengali marriage ceremony. It is the function where Ring is given to bride by the guardian of bridegroom. The guardian of bridegroom comes to the house of bribe with engagement ring, sharee, sweet etc. At this occasion sweet is one of important item at any occasion of Bengali society.Normally the father or mother of bridegroom gives ring to bride. At the absence of parents, any one senior relative of bridegroom gives the ring to bride. At this occasion, the date of marries and the amounts of ‘Denmahor’ are fixed by the discussion of the guardians of two families. ‘Denmahor’ is very important matter. It is the Islamic role. Bridegroom gives it to bride. The amount of ‘ Denmohar’ depends on the financial ability of the bridegroom.The half of this amount is paid at the Panchini time of marry. It can be paid by gold or cash. Any asset or cash will pay the rest of the amount in future. The total of ‘Denmohar’ mast be paid before the death of bridegroom. Hence, bride can excuse her husband. It is Islamic System.
Photo by J. Alam/Machizo
Text source: Independent (Magazine, 2006)

Gaye Halud

Gaye Halud’ is for most interesting stage among all of the stage of marriage ceremony. It is arranged at the house of bride & bridegroom. The boys and girls of the house of bridegroom go to the house of bride with different items, which is necessary for this festival, such as Sharee, Garland of flowers, Turmeric paste, Mehendi paste, sweet etc. The bride wears the sharee; flower’s ornaments then the girl besmear termaric paste on the body of bride. Then they distribute sweets to all. Normally they play songs.On the same way, the boys & girls of the house come to the bridegroom house to enjoy the same festival there.The evening of that day, “Mehedi” festival is stared at the house of bride & bridegroom separately. The girls draw the beautiful design on hands of the bride & another girls. Sometimes they play songs of this festival. At the house of bridegroom, the same occasion is also arranged.
Photo by J. Alam/Machizo
Text source: Independent (Magazine, 2006)

BIYE (Marriage)

Finally it comes “marriage” for that Panchini, Gaye halud, were arranged. This festival is arranged at the house to bride. So the relatives of bridegroom arrange a journey to bride house to attend that ceremony. This journey is called “Barjatra”. Before staring the journey, another festival ‘Doi Mangole’ is arranged for bridegroom, at this occasion, curd is mixed with chira, Doi. Then it is given to bridegroom to eat. Guardians of bridegroom give sharee, ornaments & other cosmetics items to bride. Normally, bride wears these. After complete the marriage register then every invited person enjoy feast program. Normally polow, Briani, Chickens roust, Sweet dish etc are the menu of the feast. Bridegroom comes in bride stage. Then they inter change their eye contract & change their “ Mala Badal”. This part is called “ Shah Nazar” This part is conduced by bride sister & sister-in-low. After change the eye contact some one asked, “ What you have seen?” Then bridegroom explains his feelings.After that, the crucial time is coming; it is time for bride farewell. In this moment start a very painful situation. Every body becomes so painful. Bride parents fall down their tears & other relatives give every responsibity of bride to the bridegroom.
Photo by J. Alam/Machizo
Text source: Independent (Magazine, 2006)

Bashar or Phool Sajja (A bed of flowers)

Bashar sajja – A bed of flower. After all the formalities of the marriage Bridegroom and bride is sent together to an apart room. In that well decorate room bridegroom & bride meet closely each other for the first time. This is called “ Bashor Sajja” The younger girl & boys are decorating that room with natural flower, decoration paper & perfume. The bride feels shaky in that room. She is in veil sitting on the bed. Bridegroom enters into the room, close the door. Both of them keep the first honey day in their mind, in their whole life. They stars their future planning, Dream from this “Bashor Sajja”.
Photo by J. Alam/Machizo
Text source: Independent (Magazine, 2006)

Bou-bhat

A ceremony is arranged at bridegroom’s house to introduce bride with all the relatives of bridegroom. This is Bou-bhat not only the relatives of bridegroom is invited in the ceremony but also the relatives of bride. Through, this occasion bride is introduced new member in her father-in-low’s house. There is huge arrangement of entertainment in this ceremony. Normally, Bengali fond of eating very much. That’s why entertainment takes main role in all the ceremony.The formality of marriage ceremony is finished with some gracious formalities. In our life marriage is come taking a new chapter. There are some excellent characteristics in marriage ceremony throughout the world. But I think we are different from all others.
Photo by J. Alam/Machizo
Text source: Independent (Magazine, 2006)

Bangladeshi Marriage

The Muslim wedding.













Photo by J. Alam/Machizo