From the archive record
Guests enjoying delicious meal at a Bengali wedding in India. In Bengal matrimony, Ashirwad is the ceremony, which is similar to the engagement ceremony and is organized two-three day prior to the wedding day. Ashirwad is a confirmation of the marriage alliance. During the Ashirwad ceremony, the groom’s family visits the bride’s home, where they shower the bride with lots of blessings and gifts, which include saris for the bride, jewellery like gold ring, chain, etc., sweets, betel nuts, etc. The Ashirwad ceremony is conducted in the presence of a priest who worships the idol of Bhagwan Narayan. Similarly, the bride’s family visits the groom’s home and gifts him gold ring, gold buttons, sweets, watch, etc. On the day of the wedding (or within a week before wedding), the groom's and the bri