10 unique wedding traditions from around India

India is renowned for its rich cultural diversity, and weddings are celebrated with a variety of unique and quirky traditions across different regions. Here are some quirky wedding traditions from various parts of India.

1. Joota Chupai (Hiding the groom's shoes)

In North India, particularly in Punjabi weddings, the groom's shoes are often hidden by the bride's sisters and friends during the ceremony. The groom must negotiate with them or pay a ransom to get his shoes back.

2. Kaashi Yatra 

In South Indian weddings, there is a tradition called Kashi Yatra where the groom pretends to go on a pilgrimage to Kashi (Varanasi) to renounce worldly pleasures. The bride's father then persuades him to return and marry his daughter.

3. Kaal Raatri 

In Bengali wedding traditions, Kaal ratri is the first night of the newly-wed couple in their new house; however, they have to sleep in different rooms for a night.

Shubo Dhristi is another Bengali wedding custom where the bride covers her face with betel leaves until all seven rounds of the bridegroom are complete.

4. Saanth

In Sindhi weddings, a pre-wedding ritual known as 'saanth' is observed. During this ceremony, the groom's family playfully tears his clothes, symbolizing the act of leaving behind the past and embarking on a new beginning. Additionally, in their respective homes, both the bride and the groom have to wear an anklet on their right foot, and then seven married women pour oil on their heads. After this, they have to wear a new shoe on their right foot.

5. Breaking the 'Sehra'

In North Indian weddings, especially among Rajputs, there is a tradition where the groom breaks his 'sehra' (floral veil covering his face), symbolizing the end of his bachelorhood and the beginning of his new life.

6. Antarpat

In Gujarati weddings, there is a playful tradition called Antarpat. Before the bride and groom exchange garlands, a silk curtain called Antarpat is held between them, creating a teasing moment as they try to catch a glimpse of each other.

7.  Nga Thaba ritual

During a traditional Manipuri wedding, an intriguing and auspicious custom known as Nga Thaba takes place. Here, two women from the groom's family and one woman from the bride's family release two robust fish, typically the ngamu or a smaller variant of the Channa orientalis, into a pond. The belief associated with this ritual is that if the fish swim together harmoniously, it foretells a joyous and prosperous marriage.

8. Hiding the thali

In South Indian weddings, the groom's sisters playfully hide the Thali (mangalsutra) worn by the bride. The groom has to find it before the wedding rituals can continue.

9. Wedding without a priest

In Coorg, situated in the southern part of the country, weddings unfold without the presence of a priest. Instead, the tradition involves prayers to ancestors, seeking blessings from respected elders within the family, and culminates in the celebration with a lavish feast.

10. Twisting the groom's ears

In Maharashtrian weddings, the concluding ritual is known as 'Karya Samapti.' During this ceremony, the bride's brothers playfully tug on the groom's ear, symbolically emphasizing his responsibilities and duties in marriage.

The wedding season has started in India, and these are some of the fun and quirky wedding rituals practiced around the country.