Hyderabad Muslim Marriage Traditions

Hyderabad is a city with a rich royal heritage. While many of the ancient traditions have been updated, the grandeur has not been lost!

It is also called ‘Nawabon Ka Shaher’ or ‘The City of Kings,’ Hyderabad has many traditions unique to its own cultural heritage, and a traditional Hyderabad Muslim Marriage is one of the best occasions to experience them!

Before the Marriage

 1. Mangini (Engagement)

As with all weddings, Hyderabad Muslim traditions also begin with a Mangini or engagement. This is the official betrothal ceremony and the date of the wedding is sometimes fixed during this occasion. While this is not a major ceremony in most household, some do arrange a small party on the day.

2. Mehendi

One of the most significant among Hyderabad Muslim traditions is the Mehendi. This is a ladies role where they either hire someone to come home and apply it on all the ladies and bride hands or they go to a Mehendi specialist’s home. Everybody who is female gets their hands blemished, little girls included!

3. Manjha

This is like to the ‘Haldi’ ceremony in other parts of India, where turmeric is made into a paste with sandalwood or saffron and apply to the bride’s skin. A token quantity of paste is also applied to the groom. The paste for the bride generally arrives from the groom’s house and unmarried girls take turns to apply it to the bride to make her glow for her special day. Traditionally, once the Manjha is completed with, the bride is not believed to leave her house until the wedding day!

Wedding Day

 1. Baraat

The groom is generally dressed in a Sherwani, the fabric of which is usually something heavy like brocade. He also has a turban to match the Sherwani, and it is generally decorated with a jewel of some kind. The groom sits on a white mare and is accompanied by his relations to the bride’s home, amidst much singing and dancing.

2. Entry of the bride

The bride dress in a traditional Khada Dupatta set, which include a kurta or tunic, tight pants (Chudidaar) or a long divided skirt (Gharara) and a long flowy dupatta or shawl that is draped around her. An ornate veil is then placed on her head which flows down her back. Muslim brides often wear heavy gold jewelry, most of which have been passed down several generations. She is brought into the wedding hall accompanied by her relatives (usually siblings) who hold a decorative shawl over her head.

3. Nikaah

Hyderabad Muslim Traditions usually dictate a segregation of some sort, although modern weddings see less and less of it. Traditionally, the men are grouped together around the priest, the groom, and the bride’s father, while the womenfolk sit with the bride at a distance or on another floor. The marriage is made official and legal by the priest and the bride signs on the Nikah or marriage agreement, after giving her consent by saying ‘Qubool hai.’

4. Arsi Musaf

This is a unique wedding tradition that is quite sweet too! After the Nikah, the groom goes to sit next to the bride. Their heads are covered with a veil and both of them are asked to read passages from the Holy Quran. They are then asked to look into a mirror, where they see their reflection for the first time as man and wife. At this point, they usually share a sweetened drink of some sort and are fed dates by the elders to convey their blessings.

5. Walima

A post about Hyderabad Muslim traditions cannot be complete without any mention of food! Of course, the famed Hyderabad Biriyani is the center of attraction, but there are several other dishes that are just as delicious. The dinner usually begins with Haleem, and also includes Red Chicken, Luqmi, Kabab, Vegetable Pulao, and many dishes, most of which feature mutton or mince. Desserts are rich affairs made with milk, cream, and dry fruits.

6. Rukhsati

This is the tradition where the husband takes his new wife to her marital home. In the older days, when the groom and his relatives were from a distant village, the groom stayed at the bride’s home on the wedding night, but in another room. The Rukhsati was then held the next morning, amid tears and chirpy farewells.

We’re pretty sure you’re craving some fragrant Hyderabad Biryani after reading this post!! While Hyderabad Muslim traditions may vary from house to house, the dinner or Daawat is something no one compromises on! So the next time you get an invite for a Hyderabad Muslim Marriage, prepare to get your hearts and tummies filled!