Seven lives[edit]

It is a relationship which is created for seven lives between the two families of the bride and the
groom. It comprises a ceremony for the Tilak (engagement), the Ban (starting of the wedding
ceremony), the Mel (the community feast), the Nikasi (the departure of the Bridegroom party for
the wedding), the Sehla, and the Dhukav (reception of the wedding party at the bride's place by
her parents). Solemnisation of the wedding is referred to as Fera.

Bridegroom[edit]

Achkan sherwani worn by Rajput men during a Rajput wedding in Rajasthan, India.

A unique Rajput sherwani also known as Achkan is normally worn by the bridegroom along with
his own family form of a turban. He keeps a sword in his left hand during the ceremony.

Bride[edit]
A bride wears a Lahanga, Odhani, Kurti or Poshak. The ornaments worn by a Rajput Bride are
the Rakhdi on her forehead, the Sheesphul as headgear, the aad as a thick neck hanging,
the Baju above her elbow (on arms), the "poonchis" and "bangdis" as thick golden bangles in
arms, "hathfools" on hands and the Pajeb as anklets.
The wedding dress and the "aad" is gifted by the groom's side to the bride. The barat at the time
of "samela" presents them in the "padla" ( a collection of many lahanga, jewelry items,
accessories, make-up kits, shoes etc.) for the bride.

References