Bangladeshi Wedding

Bangladeshi Wedding Ceremonies

Like in many countries around the world, weddings in Bangladesh are celebrated with lots of pomp, color, and zest. You need to learn the practices if you want to go and have your wedding there. Bangladeshi weddings are either Hindu or Muslim, but both share so many similarities. We have cut out the work for you so you can simply follow this guide.

Wedding Preludes

A pre-marriage ritual is held two days before the actual wedding. It is referred to as the “Mehendi Sondha” or Henna Ceremony where the bride’s hands and feet are adorned with lots of brown and black henna. Close friends and female relatives gather at her home. Each is supposed to participate as a sign of wishing the bride good luck.

The following day, a turmeric ceremony is known as “gave holud” is held at the home of the bride’s parents. The groom’s family visit’s the bride’s home to give gifts such as sarees, sweets, pieces of jewelry and other traditional gifts. The auspicious event is observed by both Hindus and Muslims. It is also observed at the groom’s house where he is presented with gifts such as clothes, shoes, and foodstuffs.

Muslim Wedding Ceremonies

Muslim weddings here have a priest called a Kazi who gathers the bride and groom to sit close together. Close family and relatives surround them. He then asks for marriage consent from both families and again from both the bride and groom. This agreement sanctifies the marriage, upon which the family of the groom presents a monetary gift known as Mahr.

Once the two are pronounced husband and wife, they exchange sweets and are directed to visit the reception venue. There is lots of dance and music at the groom’s house. The newly married couple wear traditional outfits and walk around to greet their family, relatives and invited guests. A large feast of food, refreshments, and drinks is arranged at the occasion.

The Hindu Wedding Ceremonies

A Hindu wedding ceremony has the groom going to the bride’s house accompanied by his family in the evening. The bride’s parents and family greet their visitors with conch shells and bells. The wedding then commences with a priest who recites the Hindu mantras. Garlands change hands between the bride and groom upon which he adorns her forehead with vermillion.

Next, a “Vidaai” ceremony is held as the bride moves out of the house where she was raised, along with her clothes and belongings. At the groom’s house, a “bou baran” feast is held to welcome the young bride to her husband’s family. A reception is held at the groom’s house to celebrate the new union.

Bangladeshi Wedding Reception

Muslim and Hindu wedding receptions in Bangladesh have so many similarities that you cannot tell them apart. They are both held at the groom’s house. Loud music blares from the speakers and invited musicians. The feast has a large banquet of food and drink. If you want to please your Bangladeshi relatives and guests, ensure there is a lot of meat curry, biryani, chicken tikka and ‘mitay’ on the main course. These are served with lots of rice, potatoes, bread, vegetables, and heavily spiced pastries.

Refreshments include soda, fresh juice, and traditional Bangladeshi brew. Alcoholic drinks such as wine, beer, rum, spirits, and champagne are also served. The couple can choose to dance with the guests as each wishes them good luck in their future life. Partying can go on for two days. Popular wedding songs at Bangladeshi weddings and receptions are Gangar Ghate Banshi Baje, Biyer Gaan, Lilabali, Daw Gaye Holud, Bar Elo Barite, Tum HiHo, Leelabali, Laje Ranga HoloKone, and Sumangali Bodhu among others.

You will need to have an elaborate budget for your Bangladeshi wedding. it needs several hundred thousand dollars when you factor in the cost of transportation, food, drinks, cake, legal fees, and catering services