Ruksati, a poignant and heartwarming ritual in Indian weddings, marks the bride's departure from her parental home to begin her new life with her husband. This ceremony is one of the most emotionally charged moments of any wedding, filled with both joy and sadness as the bride leaves her family to start her own. Let’s dive into the origins and significance of ruksati, and explore the attire that is traditionally worn during this touching ceremony.
What is ruksati?
Ruksati is the final farewell given to the bride by her family. After the wedding ceremony, the bride's family sends her off to her new home with the groom, symbolizing her transition into married life. This farewell is accompanied by tears, as it signifies a bittersweet moment of leaving her childhood home and family behind. Despite the emotions, it is also a moment of great pride for the family, who see their daughter stepping into a new chapter of her life.
The cultural and symbolic meaning behind ruksati
At its heart, ruksati represents the bride's transition from being a daughter to becoming a wife. It symbolizes the blending of two families and the start of the bride’s new responsibilities in her marital home. Traditionally, the bride's family blesses her and sends her off with gifts, prayers, and good wishes for her future. This ritual also highlights the significance of family ties, showing that while the bride is leaving, she carries the love and values of her parents with her.
What do people wear at ruksati?
The bride’s attire during ruksati is often the same as her wedding outfit, usually a heavily embroidered lehenga, often in red or gold to symbolize prosperity, love, and happiness. The groom, traditionally dressed in a sherwani, accompanies the bride, taking her hand as they leave. Family members, too, wear vibrant and festive attire, though the emotional tone of the ceremony often calls for a more subdued, elegant look. The bride’s mother, in particular, might wear a special outfit, chosen to match the significance of this emotional goodbye.
The emotional beauty of ruksati
Though ruksati is one of the most emotional moments in a wedding, it’s also one of the most beautiful. The ceremony celebrates the bond between the bride and her family, filled with heartfelt blessings and tears of love. It’s a reminder that weddings are not only about two people uniting but also about the intertwining of families, with the bride leaving one home to create her own. The bittersweet emotions, combined with the stunning traditional attire, make ruksati a truly moving and unforgettable part of Indian weddings.
A tradition of love, connection, and new beginnings
Ruksati is more than just a farewell—it's a symbolic moment of new beginnings. The bride takes her first steps into married life, accompanied by the love and blessings of her family. While the tears may flow, they carry with them pride and joy for the future. The tradition of ruksati continues to be a cherished part of Indian weddings, a reminder that while life is always changing, the bonds of family and love remain constant.