By virtue of being a journalist, I have several friends in Bangladesh. In the last couple of years, I am fortunate enough to attend over a half-dozen Bangladeshi marriage ceremonies. The pomp, splendor, exotic fashion, food, and rituals have made a lasting impression me and I am sure to give them a befitting place in my memoir. However, I have observed noticeable trends showcasing changes in Bangladeshi marriage customs. The way rituals are observed, the décor of the venue, designing of wedding cards, the food, and the fashion have transformed in sync with the contemporary society.
The following are few noticeable changes in the Bangladeshi wedding ceremonies I would like to put emphasis on.
Bangladeshi Matchmaking Online
The present generation prefers finding the soul mate more on the Internet than through the traditional Ghotokos. The ease and convenience as a result of the Internet revolution coupled with eagerness to choose own soul mate are contributing to the popularity of Bangladeshi matchmaking online. Bangladeshi parents are also open to adopt online matchmaking as it provides wider option and better choice. Online profiles provide fast-hand knowledge about likes and dislikes, job, education, and family details of prospective bride and grooms looking for Bangladeshi marriage without having the need to make any investigation.
Bangladeshi Matrimonial Services
With the growth in online matchmaking, several online Bangladeshi matrimonial services have come to stay. You can find numerous paid and free websites offering A to Z of online matchmaking. You can post your profile there and also browse through the details of other members. They provide tips on making online profile, searching your ideal soul mate, and communicating with interested members. You can also get information on venues, dates, and other preparations related to marriage online.
Bangladeshi Marriage Fashion
The bride and her groom now adorn more contemporary dresses in Bangladeshi marriage. Gone are the days of the famed Bangladeshi saris as the brides mostly go for lehengas. However, you can see the beautiful prints and designs of those saris on these lehengas. Though Serwani is still the most preferred dress of grooms, many go for western-style suits. The color of Bangladeshi marriage dresses has changed with the time and the traditional red color has been replaced by maroon, blue, and orange. The jewelry and bangle designs have become more contemporary and stylish both in Hindu and Muslim marriage ceremonies.
Bangladeshi Marriage Food
Food continues to be the main attraction in a Bangladeshi marriage. However, over the years the food has become a fusion on Bengali, Indian, Chinese, and other international cuisines keeping in view the taste of guest attending wedding ceremonies. Though the traditional fish curry, meat dishes, roasted varieties, and desserts are there as before, the culinary traditions of foreign countries have also become essential part of Bangladeshi marriage food. Both in Muslim and Hindu marriage ceremonies thrust is more on meat compared to well-known fish and vegetable varieties. Rising price and nonavailability of fish are attributed to such changes in the menu.
Bangladeshi Wedding Rituals
The Bangladeshi marriage rituals have more socialized pushing the religious significance to the background. Only the more famous and preeminent ones are publicly observed. The turmeric ceremony, the most important prenuptial ritual, has more become a social gathering. I have seen it many complaining it as a rehearsal for marriage.
Though the features of Bangladeshi wedding have transformed over the years, the core value continues to be the same. Marriage in Bangladesh continues to have social importance and cultural significance. The extravaganza and huge expenditure in Bangladeshi marriage ceremonies have made the celebration more famous and attracted many toward the great culture of the country.
