This articleis missing information about wedding rituals. Please expand the article to include this information. Further details may exist on thetalk page.(July 2025)
Bengali Muslim wife performing wedding walkGroom is praying according toMuslim marriage rituals
ABengali Muslim wedding (Bengali:বাঙালি মুসলিম বিয়ে) feature distinctive religious rituals that take place over multiple days and are seen mainly among theBengali Muslims ofBangladesh[1] and to a lesser extent among the Muslim population ofWest Bengal,India.[2][1]
Muslims first arrived inBengal in the year 1204,[3][4] bringing their own cultural and religious traditions fromPersia,Arabia, andTurkestan.[5][6] Over time, they integrated with the local society, adopting various indigenous customs while maintaining their distinct identity. This cultural exchange influenced many aspects of life, including marriage rituals. One such tradition wasGaye Holud, a turmeric ceremony rooted inVedic (Hindu) rituals, which became a part of Bengali Muslim weddings.[6][7][8]
Gaye Holud (Bengali:গায়ে হলুদ), meaning "applying turmeric to the body," is a traditional Bengali pre-wedding ritual where the groom's family, without the groom, visits the bride's house on the morning of the ceremony to celebrate and perform the turmeric function. Both the bride's and groom's families apply turmeric paste during their respectiveGaye Holud ceremonies on the wedding day. This tradition symbolises purification and marks the beginning of their new journey together.[9][10][11]
Bengali Muslims incorporated this practice under names likeHaldi Kota andTilwayi. This cultural blending reflects Bengal's history of religious and social harmony. Even today,Gaye Holud remains an essential part of Bengali Muslim weddings.[6][7][12]
Meyeli Git (Bengali:মেইলী গীত) is a traditional folk song performed by rural women during social ceremonies and family gatherings. Women create and tune these songs themselves, conveying emotions of happiness, sorrow, and longing. They are often sung during wedding rituals such as gaye halud, bridal bathing, and farewells. Typically performed without instruments, they may occasionally feature percussion like the dhol or tom-tom.Meyeli Git reflects the cultural heritage of rural women, passing down stories and traditions across generations. These songs add a touch of humour through playful exchanges between the bride’s and groom’s families, enriching the celebratory atmosphere.[13][6]
A Bengali bride on her Bou Bhat in Dhaka, Bangladesh
On the evening of theBou Bhat (Bengali:বউভাত) ritual, the groom's family hosts a reception to introduce the new bride to their relatives, friends, and neighbours. Guests arrive, present gifts to the bride, and enjoy a meal. The bride's family is honoured as the special guests of the occasion and arrives together in a procession known asKone Jatri or the bridal party. The bridal party brings a list of items for the bride, groom, and the groom's family, known asPhul-Sajjar Tatwa. This list includes dhotis for the elder male members, sarees for the elderly female members, food, fruits, sweets, and cosmetics such as powder, perfume, lac dye, vermilion, and flower ornaments. After the guests depart, the bride and groom share a meal with the groom's family.[9][14][15]
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