Exploring the Unique Traditions and Rituals of Maithil Marriage in Mithila Culture

Nature has created male and female forms for procreation in living beings. And this matter holds special significance in human life. Marriage in society is a social system where two individuals, usually a man and a woman, live together socially, religiously, or legally.

Marriage establishes a marital relationship between two individuals. In every culture, every community, and every region, the marriage ceremony is performed according to its own methods, customs, and traditions.

There are many types of marriage in the Sanatan (Hindu) culture. Eight types of marriage systems are described in the scriptures. In Sanatan philosophy, marriage is a dignified companionship between a woman and a man to continue the lineage. However, today it is understood as a human and social relationship for livelihood.

Diversity is found in the methods and traditions of marriage based on geographical, religious, and ethnic status. Eight methods of marriage are mentioned in Vedic philosophy. The prevailing marriage methods in the world are found to be similar to these forms. These are named Brahma Vivah, Daiva Vivah, Arya Vivah, Prajapatya Vivah, Asura Vivah, Gandharva Vivah, Rakshasa Vivah, and Paishacha Vivah systems.

The Mithila marriage system follows the Daiva Vivah system. The tradition of Kanyadaan (giving away the bride) exists in the Daiva Vivah system. There is a belief that the daughter should be given in marriage to a suitable groom. Mithila marriage is based on the traditional system of marriage prevalent in Sanatan culture. The main source for the Maithil marriage process is the mantras from the Vedic scriptures.

There is a separate literary text dedicated to Maithil marriage in the Mithila region. This text is known by the name Shri Maithili Vivah Padavali. Maithil marriage is a systematic marriage system in the world. In the Maithil marriage system, the groom and bride get to know each other only during the marriage rituals.

The system of Maithil marriage is conservative, as it helps the married couple build a strong marital life forever.

In the Maithil marriage tradition, an intermediary, who is fundamentally a mediator between the groom's and bride's parents, plays a significant role in finding a groom for the bride. The process of finding a groom for the bride and ensuring their marriage in Mithila is called Ghatakaiti.

There are some special traditions in the Maithil marriage process that are generally not seen in other parts besides Mithila. For example, when the groom arrives at the bride's house, the groom is made to change clothes in front of everyone to check if the groom has any physical defects.

Similarly, the Aam-Mahu marriage (a special marriage between mango and Mahua trees) process is completed at the bride's house before the groom and his procession arrive at the bride's door. This is nature worship, where prayers are offered to nature to satisfy it and fulfill the desire for the daughter's marriage.

For the groom and bride, one Vidhkari (ritual performer) is appointed to complete the marriage rituals at each other's homes. Such a Vidhkari is usually the groom's married sister, or failing that, sister-in-law, or failing that, paternal aunt.

The tradition of Maithil marriage begins with the Parichhan (testing/examination). During Parichhan, the groom is asked some practical questions related to domestic life by the Vidhkari and the bride's female relatives and friends. After the Parichhan process, the groom is taken to the Kohbar (or Kobar) room.

The Kohbar room is a special chamber in the bride's house where the family deity is installed, and the main marriage rite, such as Sindoor Daan, is performed in front of them. The Naina-Jogin process is completed first in the Kohbar room.

In the Naina-Jogin process, the bride and her friends are hidden under a saree, and the groom has to identify his future wife without seeing her or others. Here, the song sung during Naina Jogin contains a hint about whether the wife is on the right or the left. This process tests the groom's intelligence. Besides the test, the bride's female relatives enjoy this process. The subsequent process is organized in the Madwa.

The sacrificial altar is called Madwa in common parlance. In the Madwa, the marriage sacrifice (Yagya), Kanyadaan, Ghonghat (veil), and Sohag rituals are completed. A sacrificial altar and Vedi (platform) are constructed in the courtyard. Fire is lit on the Vedi, and the bride and groom take seven rounds.

In the Maithil marriage tradition, the seven rounds and the seven vows taken along with them are the holiest and most emotional aspects of the marriage. These seven vows are not just religious rites but seven resolutions to be upheld throughout life, to which the husband and wife pledge to each other.

In the current changing lifestyle, it is necessary to maintain the sanctity of these vows to make married life happy and successful. These vows include fulfilling life's necessities, being each other's strength and support, joint efforts for wealth and prosperity, respecting each other's families, the upbringing and nurturing of children, never leaving each other's side in any situation, and staying together for seven lifetimes and beyond.

The groom takes valuable jewelry for the bride, auspicious gifts, red bangles (Lahathi), bangles (Churi), vermilion (Sindoor), kumkum, attire, and fruits, etc. The bride's side gives the groom attire, a watch, a ring, a chain, etc. In the ideal marriage of Mithila, there is no dowry system. In some communities, there is also a custom of demanding cash, motorcycles, furniture, etc., as dowry. Domestic violence incidents have not been unknown due to dowry. But the situation has changed in the present time.

Sindoor Daan is the main rite of marriage. The goal of the marriage ceremony is for the groom to fill the bride's hair parting with vermilion. A married Sanatani woman fills her hair parting with vermilion. According to this tradition, vermilion is considered a symbol of a woman's marital bliss. After Sindoor Daan, after performing some minor rituals, the groom, bride, and the procession are bid farewell.

The custom of taking a procession (Bariyati) is common everywhere in marriage. But in Mithila, the matter of the Bariyati is very diverse. It is considered mandatory for the groom's parents and respected relatives to attend the Bariyati. It is considered social etiquette for the groom's relatives, acquaintances, neighbors, and well-wishers to join the Bariyati. For children, the Bariyati is a matter of great excitement.

Nowadays, women have also started going on Bariyati. The dignity, welcome, food, rest, and facilities of the Bariyati are also considered very important. If there is any disparity in respect, a tense situation can arise. The bride's side remains vigilant as long as the Bariyati stays at their residence.

There is a very popular saying in Mithila regarding the Bariyati: 'Sara Bariyati Kate Man? Sara Bariyati Teen Man - Barke Nik Kaniya Chahi, Barke Bapke Dahej Chahi Aa Bariyatike Nik Bhojan Chahi.' (What does the entire procession want? The entire procession wants three things - the groom wants the bride, the groom's father wants the dowry, and the procession wants good food.)

Folk songs are a unique feature in the Maithili marriage system. Maithili folk songs are generally sung to share thoughts or feelings on socio-cultural occasions. Their themes range from divine rites and ceremonial activities to agricultural work. There are many songs about deities in Maithili folk songs, but there are also many songs about seasons and agriculture.

To make the marriage even more memorable, separate songs are sung for every stage of the wedding. As people's culture, attire, and dialect change, the wedding songs also change significantly, but some wedding songs remain largely the same, such as the songs for Kanyadaan and Sindoor Daan.

The folk song tradition of the Mithila region is considered a unique and rich tradition in the world. This region has separate songs for every rite from birth to death and for every season. Maithili folk songs are a mirror of the original identity and culture of any society, which have been on people's lips for generations. The songs of the famous poet Vidyapati are considered the soul of Mithila's folk music.

The main characteristic of Maithil folk songs is that they simply express the fragrance of the soil and the experiences of rural life. They are known by names such as Sohar, Jhijhiya, Samdaun, Batgamani, Madhushravani, Sama-Chakeva, Nachari, Maheshwani, etc.

(The author is interested in history, culture, and contemporary issues)