Are you baffled by the limited information on the Chamar caste and their marriage rituals? Well, don’t be. The article will brief you on all the Chamar matrimonial traditions and their practices in the below paragraphs. Keep reading to know!
Though Chamars are among the most economically disadvantaged group, their marriage rituals are fun to be in. Like most of the other castes, Chamars also hail from different regions of the country. So, you might observe a few variations in Chamar matrimonial rituals depending on their geography. However, they primarily live in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar. Chamars are one of the most underprivileged and lesser-known groups in society. So, it is only fair to bring some light to their rich culture and marriage traditions!
Who are Chamars?
The origins of the name “Chamar” come from their leather work. Chamars are mainly from Hindu Religion and follow the religious teachings of Ravidas. They practice monogamy in marriage and the dowry system is largely prevalent in this community. Chamars allow remarriage for widowers but the same is not allowed for women. Previously, their main occupation was manufacturing shoes and other leather works. However, with the evolution of time and reservations for lower castes, they are enjoying their equal rights.
Pre-wedding Chamar Matrimonial Rituals
- Bariksha: Bariksha is the acceptance of a marriage proposal from the girls’ side of the family. In this ritual, the parents of the Chamar bride send turmeric, Supari, rice, etc in a silver bowl to the groom. They also attach an envelope with some cash in it as a gesture of acceptance.
- Sagai: Sagai is the famous ring ceremony that is observed in almost all cultures in Indian marriages. In Chamar matrimonial traditions the groom’s family visits the bride’s house with gifts, jewelry, and dresses for the bride. The would-be mother-in-law of the bride also applies teeka on her forehead followed by placing the gifts on her lap.
- Haldi Ceremony: Haldi ceremony takes place in the houses of both the bride and groom. The ceremony begins with making the Haldi, sandalwood, and oil paste. The paste is then applied to both the bride and the groom for the purification of body, soul, and mind. Later, everyone in the family plays with Haldi and applies it to each other.
- Tilak Ceremony: Although, Tilak is one of the Chamar matrimonial rituals where the bride’s side of the family visits the groom’s house and showers him with gifts, clothes, and cash. The Tilak ceremony can also be observed as legitimizing the dowry system. All the near and dear ones of the groom’s family are invited to watch the gifts that the groom has received.
- Bhaat: Bhaat is a luncheon organized by the maternal uncle of the Chamar bride for the groom and his family. The maternal uncle also brings presents for the groom and his family which he gives post lunch.
Chamar Matrimony Wedding Rituals
The Chamar marriage rituals mainly comprise of just these three rituals including Baraat, Kanyadaan, and Bidai. Let’s know more about them in detail.
Baraat: Baraat is a Chamar matrimonyl wedding possession. The groom with all his near and dear ones visits the bride’s home or the wedding venue where they are welcomed by the bride’s side of the family. Later, the Chamar bride comes on the stage, and both the groom and the bride exchange garlands and proceed to mandap for the rest of the wedding rituals.
Kanyadaan: Kanyadaan is one of the most emotional ceremonies for the bride and her father. In this ritual, the father of the bride takes her right hand and hands it over to the groom. The ceremony signifies that the father is handling his daughter and all her responsibility to the groom.
Bidai: Bidai is the final ritual in the Chamar matrimony marriage. The groom’s possession finally leaves the wedding venue along with his new bride toward his home. The daughters are expected to adapt to a whole new surrounding and different people while calling them Home!
So, these are the toys robot company said that rituals and customs in Chamar matrimonial traditions. Though same as any other caste, the rituals are all patriarchal and offending to women but Chamar people are stepping forward to bring equality gradually.
