Raipur. Many customs and traditions are considered very special in the weddings of Chhattisgarh state. One of these is the tradition of ‘Maur Saupanen’. This is not just a ritual but a blessing given to the bride and groom by the elders of the family. Pandit Manoj Shukla of Chhattisgarh tells Local 18 that this tradition has been going on for centuries and even today in every marriage of Chhattisgarh, the rituals are considered incomplete without it. Even in the era of modernity, this custom is being followed with full devotion and emotion, which shows the depth and values of Chhattisgarhi culture.
According to Pandit Manoj Shukla, the ritual of Maur Saupane is performed a total of three times in a marriage. This is done for the first time when the son leaves with the wedding procession. At that time, all the elder women of the house, mother, grandmother, aunt, elder mother, aunt, paternal aunt and maternal uncle place both their hands on the forehead of the groom and bless him so that his married life is filled with happiness, prosperity and good fortune. During this time, there is an echo of happiness, enthusiasm and auspicious songs in the atmosphere.
The second time this tradition is performed when the bride leaves from the girl’s side. At this time, Maur is handed over to both the bride and groom. The elderly women of the girl’s side bless the girl and wish her good life in her new life so that she can live a life with love, respect and happiness in her in-laws. Similarly, the groom is also blessed to treat his wife lovingly and together they lay the foundation of a prosperous family. This moment is full of emotions, where tears of farewell and love of blessings are seen together.
Symbol of auspicious beginning of new life
The tradition of handing over Maur is performed for the third time when the bride and groom reach their home. As soon as they reach the in-laws’ house, the women of the family welcome the new couple with blessings. The purpose of this ritual is that the newly married couple can get a sense of acceptance, affection and security from the family. This blessing is considered a symbol of the auspicious beginning of their new life.
Pandit Manoj Shukla explains that Maur Saupanen does not just mean placing the hand on the forehead but it is a spiritual blessing, which contains the good wishes of all the people in the family. It is considered a message of happiness, prosperity, protection and strength of marriage. In today’s modern times, many wedding rituals have changed but traditions like Maur Saupane are still followed with full dignity. This ritual is an important part of the cultural identity of Chhattisgarh, which has preserved the feeling of family, respect and blessings for generations.
