cheap travel to india For Your Reading Pleasure
Significance of a Betel leaf in Indian weddings

"Patram, pushpam, phalam, thoyam, yo me Bhaktya Prayacchati, Tadaham Bhaktyupahritamasanami Prayata Manah"

So says the Lord in the Gita.

"Whoever offers a leaf, flower, a fruit or even water with devotion, that I accept lovingly; offered as it is with a loving heart."

From time immemorial, Hindus have worshipped trees and have considered all flora and fauna as sacred. Trees, plants, leaves, flowers and fruit have an esteemed position in the religion and culture of India. So much so that no religious function especially Indian matrimonial is considered complete without the presence of at least one of the above. Leaves like the betel, banana, mango, Neem, tulsi, durva are intrinsically woven into the tapestry of Indian weddings.

The betel leaf enjoys the pride of place among all the accessories of a Hindu wedding. The betel leaf denotes freshness and prosperity. Betel leaves or the tambool, which comprises betel leaf, areca nut and lime, marks the beginnings of all auspicious events. In Indian matrimonial, alliances are sealed by exchanging the tambool. Invitations for an Indian marriage are distributed with tambool forming an important part of the invite. The betel is associated with the Trinity, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Brahma: arecanut, Vishnu: betel leaf, and Shiva: lime.

The grooms' party is welcomed with betel leaves and every event in the wedding is solemnized with betel leaves. The tambool is the minimum and essential part of hospitality in every Indian wedding.

In some weddings, a betel leaf is tucked into the headgear of the bride and groom.

In certain regions the groom's mother or sister gives a ceremonial welcome to the bride. Seven cups are placed on a platter along with fruits, betel leaves, rice, sacred ash, turmeric, salt, tamarind and cotton. A measuring cup is filled with paddy and a betel leaf is placed on it. This is called the 'nirai nazhi'. Water is placed in a vessel and the bride stands facing the east. The person performing the ceremony touches the seven cups three times and puts sacred ash on herself and on the bride. After this is done twenty one times, the bride is given a betel leaf and water is poured on it. The person conducting the ceremony touches the leaf to her forehead giving her a ceremonial welcome.

In yet another ritual comprising the betel, the girl's brother gives the ceremonial first betel to the couple to chew . This ritual is the thaamboola charvanam.

Betel leaves along with coconut or fruit are given as a token of thanks to every guest attending the wedding.

About the Author

Anish Sapra is a relationship expert specializing in Marriage, Family and Relationships.He has written authoritative articles on relationships and marriage and is currently assisting Shaadi and Shaaditimes as a Family and Relationship specialist.

cheap travel to india Items For Viewing

Universal Plug Adapter for South Africa/India

Universal Plug Adapter for South Africa/India

India Ellipse Auto Glass Sticker

India Ellipse Auto Glass Sticker
Artistic Image and Enlightened Phrase Auto-glass Stickers and Car Magnets with a Karmic View. These artfully designed products are meant to delight and inspire the viewer. All products are made in the USA. See our 350+ item catalog including size options @ http://www.karmags.com

Headlines on cheap travel to india
Happy Deepawali To All The Gyandotcom Readers.

Sun, 26 Oct 2008 08:14:29 -0700
Dear all The Gyandotcom Friends & Readers. Wishing you all A very HAPPY DEEPAWALI with a prayer to bring Smile,Knowledge,Wealth, Happiness & Success in your lives. The festival of Diwali has been celebrated for ages and the history of Diwali celebrations is as old as the history of India. Everyone on this festival enjoys the delicious Diwali sweets, the brightly lit Diwali Lamps and Diwali diyas, and the excitement for living that suddenly grips people around this time. But the festival of Diwa

cheap india calling cards