The Royal Extravaganza in Rajputana Wedding

Words like Prince Charming, the knight in shining armour are part of real life for some very lucky ladies. We are referring to Royal weddings that are known for their magnificence, exquisite drapes and ceremonies that are followed to the hilt! Since India is home to numerous Royal families, we would focus on the ones that are supremely pronounced even in the present times- theRajwarhas of Rajasthan.

Following the usual Hindu rituals, there is of course the horoscope matching which comes before the meeting of families. The run up to the wedding starts from choosing right that are handpicked after a painstaking process of selection and elimination. The haldi ceremony called Pithidastoor has a paste of turmeric and sandalwood smeared on bride and groom. Bride usually dresses up in orange or a similar bright coloured poshak for this ceremony. Mehfils form an indispensable part of royal weddings that have singers performing for men. Women perform the traditional ghoomar dance in mehfil of women. The old customs restricted women from royal clan to participate in thedance but well, times have changed now.

On the day of wedding the Bridegroom, all male guests and relatives wear turbans that are accessorised with a broach. Carrying the traditional sword as the part of wedding ensemble is customary. Kohl and tilak are considered indispensable before the baraat departs for the wedding venue. For most of the royal couples, the main wedding poshak is part of the family heirloom. Designers are engaged to recreate the old drapes giving them a modern touch that reflects traditional sensibilities in terms of fabric and work.

The most striking part of a Royal bride is her minimalistic make up and deeply ethnic look during the actual wedding ceremony. She wear rakhri- a circular gold adornment like a mangtika on her upper forehead, a choker around her neck called timniyan and choodha in her arms. The preferred colours of the wedding attire include red, maroon, yellow and gold. The modern touch to the wedding can be witnessed during pre-wedding functions and parties whereas wedding ceremony strictly adheres to time-honoured traditions and customs.

In the olden times, a spread of sweets and gifts would be sent along with the customised well-thought of invitation cards. Today too, the option of ordering exist and it is no longer the exclusive domain of the Royals. The cards available these days also mimic the of yester years that make an impressive style statement by themselves!