A couple days before a Hindu wedding, the bride and groom each organize a haldi ceremony (sometimes called pithi ceremony) at their respected homes. From this point until the time of the wedding, the couple should not see each nor should they leave the house. Though, I believe many do see each other for logistics sake, or they sneak around.
The haldi paste is made from turmeric, rose water (or water), and sandalwood powder. It is gooey and cold but smells strong and pungent yet refreshing. Organic body wash for the win. Plus it is an antiseptic too. The paste is put on five places: the feet, knees, arms, hands, face. I am not sure why those five places and why start from the feet going up but that’s how it goes.
The paste serves as a cleanser for the body and soul and signifies the bride’s preparation and welcoming into adult married life. The haldi in some Indian communities also signifies protection, hence why the couple cannot leave the house after the ceremony.
What you need:
- Haldi powder (turmeric)
- Rose water, or water
- Sandalwood powder
- A nice bowl
- Mango leaves – to apply the paste
- Puja thali – for the women to perform the pooja
- Stools to sit on
- Scrub – to get the paste off of you when showering
What to wear:
- Good Indian clothes that can take a beating
- Light Jewelry
- Basic Makeup – your face will get covered but let you eyes shine!
Because our wedding is an inter-everything, the groom and his family celebrated the haldi with us. We both sat on stools next to each and women from both families did the puja and applied the paste. Then all our female friends applied and eventually the boys felt left out. It is not customary for men to apply haldi but since our friends formed a line and looked excited, we let them join in on the fun.
Traditionally after the ceremony, the bride (and groom) are washed off by their own family members. Our families were kind enough to let us de-yellow ourselves. And it takes time to scrub all off the goo and ensure the bathroom isn’t completely yellow either (and that you haven’t made a mess everywhere!) Haldi stains don’t come out easily so be sure to wear not your finest clothes.
We did look a lot like The Simpsons characters after being doused with yellow paint.
It was my first time at such a ceremony, and a great day at that! I still can’t decide wether I think you looked better before, or after! 😉
In fact, it should end by the feet. It starts from the right Ithe head, the right and then left shoulder and then the right and left knee.
Haldi in an antiseptic. It purifies the body. It also gives a glowing effect of the body. It sis said that it also ward off bad spirit (it should be understood that it connotes again health). It is an aprodisiac as well. Its almost like an ancient Indian Spa Treatment!
The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin. Tumeric has been used for over 2500 years in India, where it was most likely first used as a dye.
The medicinal properties of this spice have been slowly revealing themselves over the centuries. Long known for its anti-inflammatory properties, recent research has revealed that turmeric is a natural wonder, proving beneficial in the treatment of many different health conditions from cancer to Alzheimer’s disease.
Here are 20 health benefits of turmeric:
1. It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.
2. When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer.
3. Prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice.
4. May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide.
5. Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia.
6. Is a natural liver detoxifier.
7. May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain.
8. May prevent metastases from occurring in many different forms of cancer.
9. It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.
10. Has shown promise in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis in mice.
11. Is a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor.
12. May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.
13. Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.
14. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
15. Boosts the effects of chemo drug paclitaxel and reduces its side effects.
16. Promising studies are underway on the effects of turmeric on pancreatic cancer.
17. Studies are ongoing in the positive effects of turmeric on multiple myeloma.
18. Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.
19. Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin.
20. May help in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.
Hope that helps.
Jai Hind