Gaye holud (Bengali:গায়ে হলুদ lit: "yellow/turmeric on the body") orgatro horidra (গাত্র-হরিদ্রা) is a wedding ceremony observed byBengalis.[1]
It is part of an elaborate series of celebrations constituting a Bengali wedding. Thegaye holud takes place prior to the religious and legal wedding ceremonies. Thegaye holud may be a joint event for the bride and groom's families, or it may consist of separate events for the bride's family and the groom's family.[citation needed]
The bride is seated on a dais and the turmeric paste is applied by the guests to her face and body. Sweets are then fed to the bride by all the guests and attendants, piece by piece.[1] In some families,henna is used to decorate her hands and feet with elaborate abstract designs.[citation needed] During this ceremony, it is customary for the families to exchange gifts. The turmeric used in the ritual typically comes from the groom’s home, along with other elaborately adorned gifts known astattwa (তত্ত্ব), presented by the groom’s family to the bride’s family. These gifts—often including fish (especiallyilish), sweets, and clothing—are not to be confused withdowry; their significance lies in the intricate artistry of their decoration rather than the monetary value.[2]
Although similar ceremonies exist in other parts of the Indian subcontinent, thegaye holud is a custom particular to the Bengali people. It is not considered a religious function, as it is celebrated by Muslims, Hindus, and Christians in both Bangladesh, the Indian state of West Bengal and wherever Bengalis live, irrespective of religion. Although it is considered a part of the Bengali wedding tradition, the couple is not considered married at the end of thegaye holud. There is no legal marriage performed during this ceremony. Unlike the wedding ceremonies, thegaye holud is not a formal or extravagant event; both guests and bridal party members dress more simply and decorate the venue less intricately than at the wedding ceremonies.[3]
