A Marathi wedding isn’t just an event it’s an emotional journey that celebrates love, family, and timeless traditions.
Known for its simplicity, elegance, and deep cultural roots, a Marathi wedding beautifully combines sacred rituals with heartfelt celebrations.
Whether you’re planning your own wedding or helping a loved one organize theirs, this Marathi Wedding Planning Guide will walk you through every step from pre-wedding rituals to post-wedding customs, along with a practical checklist to make your big day flawless.
1. Understanding the Essence of a Marathi Wedding
Marathi weddings are guided by the philosophy of “Sada Jeevan, Uchha Vichar” meaning “simple living, high thinking.”
Unlike many Indian weddings known for grandeur, Marathi weddings focus on spirituality, family bonding, and meaningful rituals rather than extravagance.
These weddings typically take place in the morning or daytime, during an auspicious time (muhurat) determined by the family priest. Every ritual from Sakhar Puda to Saptapadi carries deep cultural and emotional significance.
2. Pre-Wedding Rituals: The Beginning of a Sacred Journey
A. Sakhar Puda (Engagement Ceremony)
The first official step in a Marathi wedding, Sakhar Puda symbolizes the sweet beginning of a lifelong relationship.
The groom’s family visits the bride’s home with gifts, clothes, and sugar (sakhar), marking the formal engagement.
B. Kelvan (Pre-Wedding Feast)
A few days before the wedding, both families organize a feast to honor family deities and seek blessings. It’s a warm, family-centric event filled with laughter and traditional Marathi food.
C. Halad Chadavane (Haldi Ceremony)
In this ritual, turmeric paste mixed with sandalwood and rosewater is applied to both the bride and groom at their respective homes.
It symbolizes purification and brings natural glow to the couple before the wedding day.
3. The Wedding Day Rituals: Sacred Vows and Celebrations
The wedding day is filled with divine rituals that blend spirituality and joy. Here’s how it unfolds:
A. Ganapati Poojan
Every Marathi wedding begins with prayers to Lord Ganesha, seeking blessings for a smooth and obstacle-free ceremony.
B. Punyahavachan and Devdevak
These rituals invoke ancestral blessings and mark the formal start of the wedding ceremony.
C. Antarpat & Sankalp
The bride and groom are seated on opposite sides of a white cloth (antarpat). When sacred verses (mangalashtak) are chanted, the cloth is lowered, and they see each other for the first time as a married couple-to-be — a moment filled with emotion and tradition.
D. Kanyadaan
The bride’s parents give her hand to the groom, entrusting him with love, care, and lifelong responsibility.
It’s one of the most moving moments of the ceremony.
E. Saptapadi (Seven Steps)
The couple takes seven sacred steps around the holy fire (agni), each representing a promise from loyalty and respect to shared prosperity and happiness.
F. Mangalashtak Gaan
Traditional Marathi verses sung during the rituals — they create a divine and festive atmosphere. Elders and relatives often join in, making it a truly emotional experience.
G. Tying of the Mangalsutra & Exchange of Garlands
The groom ties the mangalsutra (sacred necklace) around the bride’s neck and applies kumkum (vermilion) on her forehead, marking her as his life partner.
H. Karmasampati
The priest recites mantras blessing the couple for a prosperous married life. The ceremony concludes with blessings from elders, music, and joyful celebration.
4. Post-Wedding Rituals: New Beginnings
A. Varat (Bride’s Departure)
After the wedding, the bride leaves her parental home in a ceremonial procession (varat), symbolizing her transition into a new phase of life.
Family and friends accompany her to the groom’s house, singing traditional songs.
B. Griha Pravesh (Bride’s Home Entry)
The bride is welcomed into her new home with aarti and symbolic rituals. She gently knocks over a vessel filled with rice, signifying prosperity entering the home.
C. Reception
A modern addition the reception is an evening event where both families celebrate together with music, food, and blessings.
5. Attire & Jewelry: The Marathi Wedding Look
For the Bride:
- Paithani Saree — typically in shades of green, purple, or red with golden borders
- Mundavalya — pearl string across the forehead
- Green glass bangles (Chooda) — symbolizing fertility and good fortune
- Traditional gold jewelry — Nath, Kolhapuri Saaj, and Jodvi (toe ring)
For the Groom:
- Kurta or Dhoti with a silk shawl
- Pheta (turban) and Mundavalya
- Optional sherwani for the reception
6. Marathi Wedding Menu Ideas
A Marathi wedding feast is a celebration of flavors. Here are must-have dishes to include:
- Puran Poli
- Batata Bhaji
- Aamti & Varan Bhaat
- Koshimbir
- Shrikhand & Modak
- Papad & Pickles
7. Wedding Planning Checklist for Marathi Couples
To ensure smooth wedding planning, follow this step-by-step checklist:
3–6 Months Before the Wedding
- Finalize wedding date & venue
- Book priest (Purohit) and catering service
- Begin wedding outfit and jewelry shopping
- Design wedding invites (traditional or e-invites)
- Book photographer & videographer
- Schedule pre-wedding photoshoot
1–2 Months Before the Wedding
- Confirm guest list and accommodations
- Finalize Haldi, Kelvan, and Mehendi decor themes
- Plan menu for each event
- Send out invitations
- Shop for wedding gifts and return favors
2–3 Weeks Before the Wedding
- Finalize makeup artist, hairstylist, and stylist
- Schedule wedding rehearsals with the priest
- Confirm travel arrangements for relatives
- Arrange wedding day essentials (turmeric, flowers, rice, mangalsutra, etc.)
1 Week Before the Wedding
- Confirm all bookings and payments
- Visit the venue for final checks
- Pack your trousseau and accessories
- Relax, meditate, and enjoy your pre-wedding rituals
Wedding Day Essentials
- Wedding attire & accessories
- Haldi, kumkum, and flowers
- Mangalsutra & garlands
- Marriage registration documents (optional)
- Snacks & water for family and guests
- A backup kit (safety pins, tissues, first aid)
8. Modern Touches to Enhance a Traditional Marathi Wedding
- Pre-Wedding Photoshoot: Capture moments at heritage forts, beaches, or temples.
- Eco-Friendly Decor: Use local flowers, bamboo decor, and reusable items.
- Digital Invites: Combine Marathi aesthetics with modern design.
- Live Streaming: Let distant relatives attend virtually.
- Personalized Music: Include Marathi folk songs and Lavani beats for entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does a Marathi wedding ceremony last?
Typically, the wedding rituals take around 2–3 hours, while the entire celebration (including pre and post events) spans 2–3 days.
2. Why are Marathi weddings held in the morning?
Morning hours are considered shubh (auspicious) in Marathi tradition. Early ceremonies align with planetary positions that bring prosperity and harmony to the couple.
3. What are the most important rituals in a Marathi wedding?
Key rituals include Sakhar Puda, Halad Chadavane, Antarpat, Saptapadi, and Mangalashtak — each holding deep symbolic meaning.
4. What should guests wear to a Marathi wedding?
Women can wear Paithani or Nauvari sarees, while men can opt for kurtas or sherwanis with pheta. Bright, traditional colors are always preferred.
5. Can Marathi weddings include modern elements?
Yes! Many couples today combine traditional Marathi rituals with modern themes like destination venues, digital invitations, and themed receptions — while keeping rituals intact.
Conclusion:
A Marathi wedding is not just about tying the knot it’s about celebrating love, culture, and family. Every ritual, song, and smile reflects generations of tradition and unity.
By combining time-honored customs with thoughtful planning, you can create a wedding that’s not only beautiful but deeply meaningful.
