A grand wedding procession, the sound of dhols and shehnais, and a groom riding in on a horse or a luxurious car—what completes this royal look? The sehra, a veil of flowers, pearls, or beads covering the groom's face. While it looks regal and adds a touch of mystery, have you ever wondered why Indian grooms wear it?
1. Protection from the Evil Eye
We Indians beleive in evil eye a lot and sehra is the sheild against the 'buri nazar' for the dulhe raja.
2. A Symbol of Transition
Marriage marks a shift from bachelorhood to responsibility. The sehra, like the bride's ghoonghat, represents humility and devotion, signifying the groom's readiness for his new role.
3. Mystery & Tradition
Historically, arranged marriages meant the bride and groom saw each other formally only during the wedding. The sehra maintained suspense, making the first look after marriage more sacred.
4. A Reflection of Warrior Culture
In Rajput and Sikh traditions, warriors would cover their faces before entering battle. Marriage, in many ways, is seen as the beginning of a new "battle", one of commitment, duty, and responsibility. The sehra, in this context, symbolizes the groom's strength and readiness to take on the challenges of married life.
5. In Hindu traditions, flowers symbolize purity, prosperity, and divine blessings. A fragrant floral sehra is believed to bring happiness, fertility, and success to the groom and his new family. Some families also incorporate gold or pearls into the sehra, further emphasizing prosperity.
6. Different Types of Sehra Across India
While the basic idea remains the same, different regions have their unique styles of sehras:
North India: Grooms commonly wear flower garlands as a sehra, often gifted by their mama.
Punjab: Sikh grooms wear beaded sehras, often made of pearls or gold threads, adding a royal touch.
Maharashtra: Instead of a full sehra, grooms wear a Mundavalya, a stringed ornament across the forehead.
Muslim Weddings: In some Muslim wedding traditions, a decorated sehra or veil is also worn to signify modesty and reverence.
7. An Auspicious Start, Rooted in Astrology
Many believe that a sehra also protects the groom from planetary disturbances (grah dosh) that might affect his marriage. Since weddings are significant astrological events, the sehra acts as a spiritual safeguard, ensuring everything aligns for a happy married life.
The sehra blends history, spirituality, and elegance, making it more than just a fashion statement. It’s a symbol of blessings, transformation, and cultural pride, ensuring a prosperous marital journey.
