Kunwara Manda
Kunwara Manda, also known as "Gharwa," is a pre-wedding ritual in Marwari weddings, specifically performed by the groom's family. It takes place after the Telbaan ceremony, typically late in the day. During Kunwara Manda, the groom's family visits the bride's house, carrying items for the ritual, often presented in a decorated box. These items are associated with the wedding and can be customized to a theme. A havan (sacred fire) is also part of the ritual, where offerings are made and mantras are chanted. After the havan, the priests are served food and given dakshina (alms).
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
- Purpose:Kunwara Manda is a symbolic gesture of the groom's family seeking blessings for the upcoming marriage and formally acknowledging the bride's family.
- Ritual Items:The specific items carried by the groom's family can vary, but they often include clothes, jewelry, and other symbolic objects related to the wedding. These items are often presented in a decorative box, sometimes customized to match a specific theme.
- The havan is a significant part of the ritual, involving the lighting of a sacred fire and the chanting of mantras. Ghee (clarified butter) and other offerings are made into the fire.
- Feast for Priests:After the havan, the priests who officiate the ritual are given a feast. Both cooked and uncooked food are served, and they also receive dakshina (monetary gifts).
- Significance:The Kunwara Manda ritual, along with other pre-wedding ceremonies, helps build anticipation and excitement for the wedding day.