The Precious Parsi Lagan

India is known around the world for many things – whether it is the gracefulness of different religions and ethnicities coexisting in harmony or the natural beauty that abounds in every nook and cranny. India is a land full of art in all its glorious forms and host to some of the richest and most vibrant festivals in the world. When it comes to Indian weddings, it appears that there is absolutely no holding back. Weddings of each religion are celebrated with fun and vigour and the celebrations of a Parsi wedding sees no different treatment.

Parsis or Parsees are immigrants from Central Asia who have settled in India, namely in states like Gujarat, Maharashtra and Goa. They have incorporated many Indian traditions into their own culture, which is clearly reflected in their wedding rituals and ceremonies. A Parsi wedding or a lagan is typically spread across a few days and the wedding ceremonies take place at the Parsi agyari or the fire temple. However, it is the multitude of pre-wedding and post-wedding rituals that make a Parsi wedding quite the grand affair.

Pre-Wedding Ceremonies

Rupia Peravanu

Before the couple in question can officially start planning a wedding, they need the consent of their respective parents and also the elders of their families. The rupia peravanu, an informal engagement of sorts is first held at the bride’s place of residence. The female members of the groom’s family pay a visit to the bride bearing gifts for her. Along with the shagun, silver coins are indispensable items in the gift hamper. After the gifts are presented to the bride, delectable varieties of food and refreshments are served to the guests. The same process is repeated at the groom’s house and more silver coins are added to his hamper of gifts.

Madhosaro

The madhosaro ceremony also known as the madhavsaro, takes place four days prior to the day of the wedding. In this ritual, the respective families of the bride and the groom plant a sapling in a pot as the family priest recites prayers. The soil used in the pot is a combination of metals (gold and silver), betel leaves and nuts, dry dates and turmeric. These pots are then placed at the entrance of their homes. They are watered till the eighth day and then they are moved to a more permanent spot.

Adarni