Indian marriages consist of several customs and rites that establish the holy relationship between two distinct individuals. "Holy Gathbandhan of bride and groom" is one such ceremony that is observed during Hindu weddings. According to tradition, Gathbandhan involves connecting the bride's dupatta's corner with the groom's pink scarf, also referred to as his patka.

Let us know the significance of Gathbandhan in a Hindu marriage as per the Shastras.

Significance Of Gathbandhan In Hindu Marriage According To Shastras

The term "gathbandhan," which refers to a coalition or covenant, is used to symbolise the sacramental link that forms between two people who will spend their whole lives together. The long scarf (patka) of the groom and the bride's dupatta are tied together during this wedding rite to represent the Gathbandhan or link of unity and togetherness.

The nuptial knot, which signifies the celebration of an unbreakable wedded bond between two people, is tied to signify the act of binding. By tying the knot, which is another word for "bind," one is symbolically uniting and cementing their marriage for all time.

In Hindu marriages, the bridegroom's sister ties the gathjod, or knot, signifying the complete acceptance of the bride as a new family member by the groom and the whole family. An everlasting relationship between the pair is symbolised by the scarf that is put around the necks of the bride and groom prior to pheras. It also symbolises their oath to God to continue being obedient, to love one another, and to support one another until death.

Gathbandhan ceremony symbolises the unity of the bride and the groom in Hindu weddings. (Image Source: Canva)

Rituals Of Gathbandhan In Hindu Wedding

Hindu tradition holds that the bride and groom become one (mentally, emotionally, and physically) upon their Gathbandhan, and they are referred to as a single unit. Five items - a coin, a flower, rice, turmeric, and durva are attached to the groom's patka on Gathbandhan. Coin asserts that everyone has an equal claim to the money and that it should be used as per everyone's wants. Flowers indicate that they both remain content with one another, while haldi indicates that they both remain fit and well. Durva suggests that both remain vibrant and youthful, much like bermuda grass, while rice represents the idea that a couple should eat enough to ensure that no one goes hungry.

In addition, the Gathbandhan contains three knots: the first represents rights, the second the connection, and the third the globe. Following the Gathbandhan ceremony, the husband and wife would walk around the fire, tying a knot to symbolise their sacred link, and making vows to one another at each turn, naming the fire God, a witness to their marriage.