Doli
In a traditional Hindu wedding, the Doli (also known as Vidaai or Bidaai) is the ceremony where the bride leaves her parental home to begin her new life with her husband. It's a bittersweet moment, marking the end of her life as a daughter and the start of her journey as a wife. The bride typically throws puffed rice or coins over her head as she leaves, symbolizing a thank you to her parents and a wish for their prosperity. She then departs in a decorated car, often referred to as a "Doli," which is a symbolic palanquin.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
- The Significance:The Doli is a deeply emotional ritual, representing the bride's transition from her family home to her new life with her husband's family.
- The Ceremony:The bride bids farewell to her parents, siblings, and other family members, often with tearful embraces.
- The Ritual:The bride traditionally throws puffed rice or coins over her head towards her parents' home as a gesture of gratitude and a wish for their well-being.
- The Departure:The bride then leaves in a decorated car (sometimes referred to as a Doli), signifying her departure to her new home.
- Modern Adaptations:While traditionally carried in a palanquin, modern Doli ceremonies often involve a decorated car or even a luxurious limousine, according to WedAbout.
- The Emotional Aspect:The Doli is a time of mixed emotions, with both joy and sadness as the bride embarks on a new chapter in her life.
- Continued Traditions:Some families incorporate games and other rituals into the evening after the Doli to help the bride feel more comfortable in her new home.