Different kinds of weddings that have been in vogue in state for ages
Himani Sharma
Himachal Pradesh, a Himalayan state known for its serene landscapes and vibrant cultural history, preserves a tapestry of marriage traditions that reflect its social diversity, deep spirituality and community-centred values.
These customs differ widely across regions, castes and tribes, creating a colourful mosaic of rituals that blend ancient practices with local variations. Marriage, in Himachali society, is not merely a union of two individuals but a solemn bond between families, communities and divine forces that are believed to guide the couple’s future.
Traditional Hindu Vedic marriage
The most common form of marriage in Himachal Pradesh is the traditional Hindu Vedic marriage, followed by a majority of communities. These ceremonies begin with the engagement, commonly called sagai and proceed to rituals such as kanyadaan, where the bride’s parents symbolically hand over their daughter to the groom.
The havan and pheras around the sacred fire form the spiritual core of the ceremony, accompanied by blessings from elders and gods. Local customs enrich the ceremony further; for instance, dhuevara (welcoming the groom and his family), bidaai (the emotional departure of the bride) and ghar pravesh (the bride’s first entry into her new home) hold deep cultural significance and emphasise the importance of family unity and respect.
Chaddar Andazi
Alongside elaborate Vedic weddings, Himachal Pradesh also embraces simpler and more symbolic forms of marriage. One such custom is Chaddar Andazi, a modest ceremony that was especially common in rural areas. Instead of arranging grand festivities, the groom simply places a chaddar or shawl over the bride in front of elders, symbolising protection, acceptance and commitment.
This form of marriage reflects the Himachali spirit of simplicity, practicality and respect for mutual consent, especially in cases where families lacked resources for an elaborate wedding or when circumstances required a quick union.
Jhanjar marriage
Another distinctive tradition is the Jhanjar marriage, historically associated with remarriage, especially for widowed or separated women. In this practice, the couple announces their union not through rituals but by walking together in a small procession while relatives dance with jhanjars (ankle bells).
The focus of this tradition is social recognition rather than ritual performance, underscoring the community’s role in acknowledging and supporting the couple’s new beginning. It highlights Himachal’s acceptance of second marriages, breaking the stigma often associated with such unions in other regions.
Bashahi or Brahma marriage
Among more orthodox communities, the Bashahi or Brahma marriage is regarded as one of the purest and most traditional forms of union. These marriages closely follow Vedic scripture: priests guide every step, from horoscope matching and auspicious date selection to sacred vows exchanged during the pheras.
The rituals emphasise purity, discipline and adherence to ancestral customs, showcasing the cultural pride of families who wish to maintain rituals exactly as prescribed in ancient texts.
Dharam marriage
Contrasting sharply with ritual-heavy marriages is the Dharam marriage, which is based entirely on mutual consent and involves no formal ceremonies. Historically practiced in tribal and remote Himalayan regions, this form of marriage showcases a progressive worldview where companionship, trust and understanding hold greater importance than rituals or social obligations. The acceptance of such weddings by the community demonstrates the inclusive nature of Himachali society.
Ghar Jawai tradition
The Ghar Jawai tradition adds another dimension to Himachal’s cultural flexibility. In this practice, the groom moves into the bride’s family home, particularly when the bride is an only child or when her family requires support in managing land and household responsibilities.
The groom is treated with respect as a resident son-in-law and the arrangement ensures continuity of the family lineage. This tradition highlights the region’s respect for women’s inheritance rights and its open-mindedness in redefining conventional marital roles
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Himachal’s tribal communities, such as the Kinnauris, Gaddis, Lahaulis and Pangwals, enrich the cultural landscape with their distinctive rituals and customs.
Kinnauri marriages are especially noted for their connection to ancient polyandry, elaborate feasts, and rituals conducted by local priests called Buchen. The bride wears the traditional Dhathu headgear, and folk dances, music and offerings to local deities form an essential part of the celebration.
Gaddi marriages are relatively simple but culturally vibrant: the groom often arrives on horseback, demonstrating pride and valour, while elders guide rituals with blessings rooted in pastoral traditions.
Lahauli weddings, on the other hand, are deeply communal, involving local brews like chang, days-long celebrations, folk songs and ceremonies dedicated to ancestral spirits. These tribal traditions emphasise harmony with nature, community solidarity and the spiritual protection of the couple.
In older times, certain remote communities practised exchange marriages, known as badla vivah, where families gave daughters to each other in a reciprocal arrangement. This practice helped maintain social balance, minimised financial burdens such as dowry, and strengthened inter-family relationships.
Although far less common today, these marriages reveal the practical and mutually supportive structure of traditional Himachali society.
With modernisation and growing social openness, inter-caste and inter-community marriages have become increasingly visible in Himachal Pradesh. These unions are often celebrated by blending rituals from different cultures, symbolising a new era of acceptance where love and personal choice take precedence over caste and community boundaries.
This evolution reflects the state’s gradual movement toward inclusivity and progressive thinking while still honouring its cultural heritage.
Overall, the marriage traditions of Himachal Pradesh — from sacred Vedic ceremonies and shawl marriages to tribal rituals and consent-based unions — paint a rich and diverse picture of a society that values spirituality, community, mutual respect and cultural continuity. These customs are not merely social practices but powerful reflections of the region’s identity, its harmonious relationship with nature and its enduring belief in the sanctity of relationships.
