Uttarakhand Wedding Culture: When a wedding takes place in Uttarakhand, one thing first catches the attention. Be it the wedding photos of a Pahadi couple going viral on social media, a YouTuber’s wedding vlog or a friend’s Garhwali-Kumaoni wedding, this royal and traditional crown seen on the heads of the bride and groom attracts everyone differently. As beautiful as this cultural look looks, its story is equally emotional and full of faith. Nowadays people consider it to be Sehra or Crown, but in reality it is much deeper than that and a part connected to the heart of Devbhoomi.
Weddings in Uttarakhand have always been known for their simplicity, purity and spiritual atmosphere. In the rituals here, the blessings of the gods are kept at the top. This crown worn at weddings is a beautiful part of this cultural thinking. It is not just a thing of beauty, but a symbol which makes the bride and groom feel security, respect and auspiciousness in the entire marriage.
In this article, we will understand in simple language what this crown is, what the tradition behind it says, why it is worn, and why it has become so trending these days.
1. What is this crown called?
It has been given many names in different areas of Uttarakhand.
crown
palatal crown
headdress
Devbhoomi Sirposh
In both Garhwal and Kumaon regions, this crown is worn by the bride and groom at the wedding.
The crown is usually decorated with colorful cloth, golden borders, leaf designs, bead work and images of gods and goddesses placed in the centre. It looks very royal and gives a special identity to the wearer.
2. Why is it a tradition to wear a crown?
symbol of keeping the blessings of the gods
In Uttarakhand, it is believed that on a holy occasion like a wedding, the blessings of the gods should be present. That is why the crowns of the bride and groom often have pictures of Lord Ganesha, Narayan, Radha-Krishna or family deities.
This picture is not just a decoration, but it is a sign that the entire marriage should be completed with the blessings of the Gods.
giving throne like dignity to the bride and groom
In the mountains, marriage is considered a sacred union of two souls. On the day of marriage, the bride and groom are given dignity like a king and queen. Wearing a crown is a symbol of this feeling.
That means this crown gives them special respect in the new beginning of their life.
Protection from evil eye and negative energy
There is a belief in the mountains that at the time of marriage, the eyes of the bride and groom fall in love.
The design of lace, leaves and pearls in the crown is considered like a protective shield, which keeps away the evil eye and negative energy.
3. How is this crown made?
Local artisans of Uttarakhand prepare it with utmost love and care.
It is used in:
embroidered cloth
gold and red lace
mirror work
Pearl
Picture of Gods and Goddesses in small frame
paper or light wood base
Earlier, village craftsmen used to make it by hand. Nowadays, designer versions are also available, which are lighter and look more attractive. Yet many families still preserve the old traditional crown and use it for generations.
4. When and how is the crown worn?
The groom usually wears the crown before the procession or at the time of Jaymala.
The bride wears it at the time of Kanyadaan or when the procession begins.
In many places, both the bride and groom wear it throughout the wedding ceremony.
After wearing this crown, a different confidence, peace and joy is seen on the faces of the bride and groom, because for them it is a confluence of both culture and blessings.
5. Why is this crown becoming so trendy again these days?
This crown has become popular across the country due to social media, vlogging and marriage of content creators.
It gives a very royal and cultural look in wedding photos.
Pahari identity can be presented in a stylish manner.
Young couples have also started adopting it to celebrate their roots and culture.
It has become more trending due to viral wedding posts of YouTubers, Instagram influencers and couples.
6. A beautiful symbol of culture, respect and spiritual connection
This crown of Uttarakhand is not just a decoration, but a confluence of family, tradition and faith.
When the bride and groom wear it, it means:
blessings of the gods
beginning of new life
respect for family tradition
Protection from evil eye and negativity
And wishing you good luck at every step
This is the reason why this tradition is followed with the same respect even today as it was done centuries ago.
