Manipur, which is also known as the ‘land of gems’, is one of the north-eastern states of India. Mostly inhabited by various tribes, Manipur is famous for its lively festivals and numerous traditions. Weddings form an important part of the lives of the people of Manipur. Manipuri weddings are as lively and colorful as the other festivals of this beautiful tribal state.
Manipuri Wedding Customs
Like any other marriages of the world, marriages in Manipur follow the customs of the state. More or less all tribes in Manipur follow the similar procedure of matchmaking. The men and women of the Magh tribe get acquainted with each other on the eve of New Year, following a festival. This in fact, provides the perfect opportunity to select their respective partners, which is followed by getting the consent of the parents. In addition, markets also provide a perfect opportunity to find the suitable life partners, mainly for the girls of the Khasia, Tippra and Garo tribes. Manipuri Matchmaking
For the men and women belonging to the Manipuri and Santal tribes, fields provide a perfect opportunity to select their life partners. After life partners have been chosen by the men and women of different tribes, they have to follow certain norms which will lead up to marriage. Hinaba is the first step, where parents of the boys meet the parents of the girls. The second step is Yathang Thanaga where the girl’s parents approve the match. Waroipat Puba is the third step where food items are brought by the boy’s family members and the wedding date is eventually is finalized. Heijapot is the last step where the date of the engagement is announced.
Wedding Costumes
Attires form an important part of any weddings and Manipuri marriages are no different. The brides adorn themselves in Rasila skirt, while the bridegrooms dress themselves in white doti, turban and kurta. The girls do not wear variety of ornaments. The bridegroom are greeted with ‘pradip, and his feet is washed by a small boy. At the same time, two taki fish from the family of the bride and bridegroom are released in water, the fishes symbolize the couple. Shahnai and kirtans are played after the couple has finished taking seven rounds and the brides move in tune with the music. Both the bride and groom are greeted with durva grass and paddy in the wedding pandal. The girl after her marriage visits her parents on the fifth day.
Like any other marriages of the world, marriages in Manipur follow the customs of the state. More or less all tribes in Manipur follow the similar procedure of matchmaking. The men and women of the Magh tribe get acquainted with each other on the eve of New Year, following a festival. This in fact, provides the perfect opportunity to select their respective partners, which is followed by getting the consent of the parents. In addition, markets also provide a perfect opportunity to find the suitable life partners, mainly for the girls of the Khasia, Tippra and Garo tribes. Manipuri Matchmaking
For the men and women belonging to the Manipuri and Santal tribes, fields provide a perfect opportunity to select their life partners. After life partners have been chosen by the men and women of different tribes, they have to follow certain norms which will lead up to marriage. Hinaba is the first step, where parents of the boys meet the parents of the girls. The second step is Yathang Thanaga where the girl’s parents approve the match. Waroipat Puba is the third step where food items are brought by the boy’s family members and the wedding date is eventually is finalized. Heijapot is the last step where the date of the engagement is announced.
Wedding Costumes
Attires form an important part of any weddings and Manipuri marriages are no different. The brides adorn themselves in Rasila skirt, while the bridegrooms dress themselves in white doti, turban and kurta. The girls do not wear variety of ornaments. The bridegroom are greeted with ‘pradip, and his feet is washed by a small boy. At the same time, two taki fish from the family of the bride and bridegroom are released in water, the fishes symbolize the couple. Shahnai and kirtans are played after the couple has finished taking seven rounds and the brides move in tune with the music. Both the bride and groom are greeted with durva grass and paddy in the wedding pandal. The girl after her marriage visits her parents on the fifth day.
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