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The Tharu community, an indigenous group inhabiting various regions of Nepal, upholds marriage as a cornerstone for societal continuity, economic stability, and the preservation of cultural traditions. Within Tharu society, arranged marriages prevail as the norm, with the responsibility of finding a suitable match primarily resting with the parents or elders of the prospective bride and groom. This tradition underscores the collective nature of decision-making within the community, where the union of two individuals is regarded as a union of families.
The process of matchmaking typically commences at the onset of the month of Maagh, falling around January or February in the Gregorian calendar. During this period, negotiations between the families of the bride and groom begin, with consultations held to assess compatibility, familial background, and other relevant factors deemed important for a successful marital alliance. Once the families reach an agreement, preparations for the wedding ceremony ensue.
The wedding day itself is a joyous occasion marked by elaborate rituals and festivities. A procession, known as the marriage march, makes its way to the bride's residence, accompanied by music, dancing, and jubilant celebrations. This procession symbolizes the union of the two families and is often a vibrant display of community solidarity. Before reaching the bride's house, the ceremony of Diuli Darna takes place in the groom's household. During Diuli Darna, the groom's younger sisters perform some religious rituals, marking the beginning of the wedding festivities. Upon arrival at the bride's house, the ceremony proceeds with the exchange of vows, blessings from family elders, and the performance of traditional rituals under the guidance of the family Guruwa, or spiritual leader.
The wedding ceremony typically lasts for three to four days, during which time various customs and traditions are observed, including the offering of Parchhana, a ritual offering made to the ancestors and deities seeking their blessings for the newlyweds. Bidai, or the departure of the bride from her parental home, is a heartfelt moment filled with emotions. It symbolizes the bride's transition into her new household and marks the beginning of her married life. Bidai is often accompanied by tearful farewells and heartfelt blessings from family members as the bride leaves her parental home to join her husband's family. This ceremony holds deep emotional significance for both the bride and her family, signifying the end of one chapter and the beginning of another in the life of the newlywed couple.
Post-marriage, the bride transitions into her new household, where she assumes responsibilities for managing household affairs and supporting her husband and his family. Despite the change in residence, familial ties remain strong, as evidenced by the continued involvement of married daughters in festivities and special occasions at their natal home.
In matters of inheritance, the Tharu community adheres to a patrilineal descent system, wherein property and familial lineage are passed down through the male line. While sons typically inherit land and other assets from their parents, daughters are bestowed with dowry, comprising gifts such as jewelry, utensils, and livestock, which serve as a form of financial security and support for their married life.
Tharu weddings are stratified into different types based on ceremonial content. The Barka bhoj, or greater marriage, is characterized by an elaborate sequence of rituals and celebrations, lasting several days. In contrast, the Chhotki bhoj, or lesser marriage, involves fewer rituals and is typically confined to a single night of festivities. Notably, Tharu weddings often take place at night, adding a sense of mystique and reverence to the proceedings, reinforcing the cultural significance attached to the union of marriage.
Tharu marriage customs reflect a rich tapestry of tradition, culture, and social values, serving as a testament to the enduring bonds of family, community, and heritage. Through the observance of time-honored rituals and ceremonies, the Tharu people uphold the sanctity of marriage as a sacred union that transcends individual lives and generations.
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