Sehra Bandi
Definition
Sehra Bandi is a pre-departure ritual in North Indian and Muslim weddings in which a sehra, a decorative veil made of flowers, beads, or strings of pearls, is ceremonially tied to the groom's turban or headgear before he sets out for the wedding in the baraat. The ritual is performed by the groom's family, often the sister or sister-in-law, and is accompanied by blessings, gifts, and prayers for the groom. The sehra partially covers the groom's face and is considered both ornamental and protective.
Understanding Sehra Bandi
Sehra Bandi takes place at the groom's home shortly before the baraat departs. The sehra itself is an elaborate veil, traditionally strung from fresh flowers such as marigolds and roses, or from beads and pearls in more formal versions, attached to the front of the groom's safa (turban) so that it cascades over his face.
The tying of the sehra is performed by close female relatives and accompanied by aarti, the application of tilak, and the giving of shagun (auspicious gifts or money). The veil is popularly believed to protect the groom from the evil eye as he travels to the wedding and to mark him ceremonially as the bridegroom.
In Muslim weddings, the sehra is similarly tied during a sehra bandi ritual, and verses or poems (also called sehra) may be recited in praise of the groom. The custom is most associated with North Indian Hindu and Muslim communities; its specific form, materials, and accompanying songs vary by region and family.
Examples
- 1
The groom's sister tying a marigold sehra to his turban and performing aarti before the baraat departs.
- 2
A groom wearing a pearl-and-bead sehra that veils his face as he sets out for the wedding venue.
- 3
Relatives reciting a sehra poem in praise of the groom during the sehra bandi at a Muslim wedding.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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