BILLAVA MARRIAGE CUSTOMS AND CEREMONIES

A few days before the wedding the maternal uncle of the bride or the 'Gurkara' ties a jewel on her neck, and a pandal is erected, and decorated by the caste washerman (madival) with clothes of different colours. If the Bridegroom is an adult, the bride has to undergo a purificatory ceremony a day or two before marriage (dhara) day. A few women, usually near of the girl, go to a tank, pond or well near a bhutasthana or garadi, and bring water thence in earthenware pots. The water is poured over the head of the girl, and she bathes. On the wedding day, the bride and bridegroom are seated on two planks placed on the dais. The Barber arranges the various articles, such as lights, rice, flowers, betel leaves and arecanuts, and a vessel filled with water, all of which are required for the ceremonial. He Joins the hands of the contracting couple, and their parents, or the headman, places the nose-screw of the bride on their hands, and pour the dhare water over them. This is the binding part of the ceremony which is called kai (hand) Dhare.