Bageshwar: In the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, marriage is not just a union of two families, but is considered a sacred confluence of traditions, beliefs and deep cultural faith. Here, the tradition of respecting the bride like a ‘queen’ has been going on for centuries. It is believed that the bride is ‘Lakshmi Swaroopa’ in her maternal home and when she enters her in-laws house, she brings with her good luck, peace and prosperity. Due to this belief, she is given special respect at every stage of the marriage and at the time of farewell, she is made to sit in a palanquin or doli like a queen.
Acharya Hemchandra Pathak of Bageshwar told Local 18 that the tradition of considering the bride as ‘queen’ in Kumaon is not just symbolic but is a living form of respect given by the family and society. The bride is given supreme status during the wedding, be it the Haldi ceremony, welcoming the wedding procession or the farewell moment. According to the folklore of Kumaon, new good fortune comes to the house where the bride steps. For this reason, her farewell is done like a procession of a princess.
For this reason the bride used to go in a palanquin
The tradition of seeing off in a doli is very old in Kumaon. In ancient times, there were no roads in the mountains, the roads were difficult and hilly, in such a situation, Dolly was considered the safest and respectable means of transportation. Four people together used to carry the bride’s palanquin, which was not only considered a means of transportation but also a symbol of respect. This was a sign to the family that the bride was being taken to her new home with full respect and safety. Doli songs, traditional instruments and emotional farewell rituals made this journey even more sacred.
Respectful union of two families
Times changed, roads were built and use of vehicles increased, but this tradition was not completely abandoned in Kumaon. Even today, in many villages and traditional families, the bride is symbolically sent off after walking a few steps in a palanquin. This is not just a custom, but a message that the new family is welcoming the bride like a queen. It is believed that bidding farewell sitting in a doli is auspicious and this makes married life stable, happy and prosperous.
This tradition of Kumaon shows connection with culture and respect for family. Even in the age of modernity, when many rituals are being left behind, this tradition of honoring the bride by treating her as a ‘queen’ is keeping the cultural heritage of Kumaon alive. It is not just a ritual but it is a message that marriage is not only an honorable union of two hearts but also of two families.
