When a Garhwali weds a Kashmiri.....

Thanks to India for its rich cultural diversity. I recently experienced a different culture, attending a Kashmiri Wedding in Jammu.

All thanks to my co sister for pushing me to attend this wedding, this November 2015. Her brother tied knot with a gorgeous Kashmiri girl. Being a witness to such a rich cultured wedding, I realised there is so much, which many of us haven’t experienced.

The Paharis (Garhwalis) were sweet enough to let the wedding take place with all Kashmiri rituals. I believe, we too wanted to gain familiarity with their tradition and customs, besides extending comfort to the bride and her family.

Best Part of rituals:

When we entered the venue: As a part of welcome, the groom was overloaded with the garlands by all from the bride’s side. Poor he couldn’t do anything except passing broad smiles to all.

The amazingly sweetest part of this module of wedding course was... when we saw the arrival of the bride during the same time, yes, at the entrance itself. The couple were blessed by all their relatives, especially the groom as he had to accept the shower of garlands againJ. And, I believe, at one point of time, his neck also refused to accommodate any more garlanding.

The blessing ceremony during feras: It covered the couple with a shawl and all the elders showered flowers on them, literally making mountains of yellow ‘genda’ flower petals over their heads.

The soaked Kashmiri walnuts as Prasad: I never knew walnuts could hold so much of relevance for a wedding. And, they were delectable.

As in any other Hindu wedding, this wedding too consisted of pheras in front of the sacred fire, amidst mantras. After this, the couple had to feed each other with rice and finally, the Vidai had taken place. So the ‘Kashmir ki Kali’ is an integral part of the Garhwali family now.

But one question still hovers over my head and knocks my brain, ... how would the groom ever get an idea of what his Kashmiri in laws or respective relatives are talking about? Are they passing some loving complements or comments?.... As the language sounds little unadorned & strict.... I really found it difficult to understand.   So, good luck groom J! 

Yet, the bottom line of any successful wedding is 'understanding'.. when the hearts meet, nothing else matters. So, the awesome newsome couple.... I wish you a nice travel through your beautiful married life!