Significance of applying Pasupu before the Indian Wedding for the bride and the groom

As we all know in the Indian homes Haldi, Turmeric or Pasupu holds a special place of honour. Its is known for its anti-inflammatory and other healing properties, because of which it has become popular as a medicine as well. And one area where it holds the most important place is when it comes to Indian traditions. In Indian Weddings, this amazing ingredient has an entire ceremony to it's name.

Let's know more about Haldi Ceremony

The Haldi ceremony is the one in which a paste of haldi / paspu is applied on the bride and the groom's body before their wedding. This ceremony is held at both the bride and the grooms place, on the morning of the wedding day. In a few cultures, this ceremony is also held a day before the wedding, after the mehendi ritual. it us known by different names in different regions like UBTAN, MANDHA, TEL BAAN, PASPU SNANAM ETC.

Traditionally, people make a paste using haldi and different ingredients according to their individual family customs. While some mix it with sandlwood powder and milk, others mix it with rose water. This paste is then applied on the bride and the groom's face, neck, hands, and feet, by their near and dear ones. THis ceremony is also accompained by traditional songs and dances at times.

In many customs, the bride and the groom also apply a small portion of this sacred paste on their unmarried friends and siblings. It is said that whoever gets touched by this paste will soon find a good looking partner

But why does this so called yellow powder HALDI hold such a special place?

TO KEEP THE EVIL EYE ( BURI NAZAR) AWAY

Most people believe that the reason for applying haldi is to ward off eveil spirits from affecting the bride and the groom. This is why, the bride and groom are usually not allowed to leave their home after the haldi ceremony, till their wedding mahurat. In some traditions, they are also tied a sacred red thread or given some small amulets and other items for protection against evil eye.

Auspicious colour

The yellow colour of turmeric is considered very auspicious in the indian traditions. The auspiciousness of this ingredient and its colour ushers in a life of prosperity for the couple, who are starting off their new life together. This is why, in many cultures the bride and groom wear yellow clothes on their wedding day as well.

It add's Beautification

In the olden days when cosmetic beauty treatments and parlours were not available, Indians had their own natural beauty secrets to ensure that a couple looked radiant and wonderful on tehir wedding day. Haldi is known to have properties that leave the skin fair and glowing.

Works wonderful as an Antiseptic

Since turmeric or Haldi is known for its medicinal properties as well as being antiseptic, an application of this ignredient before marriage would ensure that the bride and groom are blessed  with blemish free skin It aslo ensures that the couple is protected against any cuts, bruises or ailments before the wedding.

Haldi holds such an important place in indian traditions because it also purifies and cleanses the body . It is also known as an effective exfoliating agent. After the haldi ceremony, when the paste is rinsed off, it helps to get rid og dead cells and detoxifies the skin.