This #TraditionTuesday we’re talking about the haldi ceremony. Why do we do it? What are the benefits? Before we get into that, did you know that this ancient tradition has lots of names throughout South Asia?
{Haldi Ceremonies Across South Asia}
Andhra Pradesh (Telugu): Pellikuthuru
Bengali: Gaye Holud
Gujarati: Pithi
Kannadiga: Dev Karya
Maharahstrian: Haldi Chadhavat
Odia: Mangana
Punjab: Vatna
Rajasthani: Baan
Tamil Nadu: Mangal Snaanam
Muslim weddings: Haldi
Colloquially, we all call it the haldi or haldi ceremony; and it has significance across South Asia’s cultures.
Over the last few yers haldi aka turmeric has gained popularity much like the rise of kale and bok choy as a superfood! I saw turmeric capsules at Costco a year ago and now they even sell ground turmeric along with salt, onion powder and other spices.
This super food is a natural healer and a cleaning agent. During the haldi ceremony, it’s applied all over the body a day or two before the wedding, because it makes your skin glow! Seriously, our ancestors knew what was up – haldi is the OG spa treatment!
Additionally, some believe applying it rids one of “nazar” or keeps the evil eye at bay. While getting “haldi’d” the elders shower blessings on the bride/groom, which is considered invaluable in South Asian cultures.
And since haldi is such an effective cleaning agent, the haldi ceremony also signifies purification and cleansing before the wedding. It’s pretty awesome that we’ve kept these traditions alive. Below is my haldi ceremony, the day before my wedding in Newport Beach, California. We hope you enjoy your haldi ceremony too!
I hope this article has been helpful to you. If it has, please let me know in the comments; and you might like to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest – whatever your preferred media is, as we frequently publish articles to help make planning an Indian wedding just a little bit easier.
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Other ShaadiShop Posts You Might Like:
How Venue Fees Work For An Indian Wedding
How to Avoid Venue Overtime Fees at an Indian Wedding
Venue Food & Beverage Minimums: Everything You Need To Know
Check out more #TraditionTuesday Posts:
Why Do We Touch Elders’ Feet at Indian Weddings?
The Blockade at the End of the Wedding
The Varmala at Indian Weddings
cover image: Greycard Photography
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