Pheras First, Pegs Later: Rajasthan's Quirkiest Wedding Custom Welcomes The Bride With Alcohol
In Rajasthan, where wedding ceremonies often blend ancient customs with modern adaptations, a lesser-known tradition is attracting curiousity and conversation – the Pyala or Manwar ritual, a symbolic gesture of welcome rooted in Rajput culture.
This unique tradition typically unfolds after the bride enters her new home. She is offered a pyala (a cup filled with alcohol), usually local country liquor or whisky, by her in-laws as a mark of prosperity, courage, and familial acceptance. In some households, the bride is asked to sip the drink, while in others, she simply touches the cup or applies a tilak on it as part of the custom. Sometimes, it's the family elders who take the ceremonial drink on her behalf.
The ritual isn't universally practiced across Rajasthan. It remains more prevalent in cities like Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaipur, especially within conservative or tradition-following Rajput families. In contrast, regions such as Bikaner and Jaisalmer see limited or no observance of the practice.
Interestingly, the custom has also evolved with the times. In households that refrain from alcohol, the Pyala is now offered with fruit juices, cold drinks, coconut water, rose water, or even sherbet, preserving the essence of the gesture while making it inclusive. A family in Jodhpur shared that they replaced alcohol with rose-flavoured syrup so that everyone, regardless of age or belief, could take part in the ritual.
Historians and cultural commentators say the origins of the Pyala ritual can be traced back to the martial traditions of the Rajputs. In those days, alcohol was not only a celebratory drink but also a token of valour and camaraderie, offered to warriors returning from battle. Over time, the ritual found its way into weddings, symbolising not just celebration but the strength and courage expected in the new phase of life.
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