The quintessential “big fat Indian wedding” is often considered synonymous to a traditional Bengali wedding. The numerous customs, the vibrant rituals, and of course the overwhelming joy of two families coming together is a spectacle that deserves to be captured in its entirety.
For a photographer, a traditional Bengali wedding is nothing short of a dream come true project! However, with so many traditions and rituals involved, it’s very natural for them to miss out on capturing the special moments.
That’s exactly why we have gathered the ultimate Bengali wedding photography checklist in this blog. This will act as a roadmap to understanding the traditions and rituals involved in a Bengali wedding so that you won’t miss out on capturing those special moments.
Rituals that Need Mandatory Coverage
- Ashirwad
Ashirwad is the first ritual which commences the “biye pawrbo.” The would-be married couple is enveloped in love and generosity as family members shower them with their blessings and gifts. It’s one of the rich cultural traditions that adds depth and authenticity to the whole wedding ceremony. And that’s what makes this ceremony an indispensable part of a wedding photographer’s checklist.
- Aiburo Bhaat
This is a special pre-wedding tradition where a lavish feast is hosted by the parents of the bride and groom separately, on the day before the wedding. It’s a ritual that marks the bride and the groom’s last meal at their respective paternal homes before they embark on their new life together.
The ceremony is characterized by a traditional Bengali feast, which includes a variety of the most authentic Bengali delicacies consisting of fish, meat, vegetables, and of course sweets!
The specialty of this ritual is that it marks the end of a chapter and also the beginning of a new one.
- Gaye Holud
This is by far one of the most vibrant rituals of a Bengali wedding ceremony. The groom’s family prepares a paste made from raw turmeric which is applied to the groom. Later, that concoction is sent to the bride’s, as a part of the ritual.
The vibrancy of this ritual makes it a mandatory ceremony for the photographer’s lenses. The best wedding photographer in Kolkata usually has one team covering the groom’s Gaye Holud ritual, while a second team covers the other part of the ceremony at the bride’s residence.
- Subho Drishti
Coming straight to the wedding ceremony, the Subho Drishti marks the exact moment when the bride removes the paan pata from in front of her eyes and the couple take their first glance at each other.
The couple’s expression at that moment is the most vital part of this whole ritual which a photographer aims to capture. Taking snaps of those overwhelming emotions of joy, happiness, and love reflected in the faces of the bride and the groom during the exchange of their glances should be the ultimate goal of any wedding photographer.
- Sindoor Daan
The Sindoor Daan ritual is one of the pivotal moments where the groom applies the sacred vermillion to the bride, symbolizing their eternal union.
Capturing the Sindoor Daan ritual is another vital element in the wedding event photography checklist. This pivotal and heartfelt moment defines the true essence of a wedding ceremony, and only a skilled photographer from Couple Story can rightfully capture this precious moment and transform it into a spectacular wedding album.
- Boubhaat
The Boubhaat also known as the Wedding Reception Party is hosted by the groom’s family two days after the wedding and symbolizes the welcoming of the new bride into the family. The main purpose of this event is to arrange a formal introduction of the bride to the friends and extended family of the groom. The reception party is a perfect opportunity for photographers associated with wedding photography in Kolkata as it offers a plethora of candid moments, group shots, and obviously some awesome portraits.
To Conclude
A traditional Bengali wedding is no less than a kaleidoscope of rituals, celebrations, and of course loads of emotions, thereby offering a blank canvas for wedding photographers to showcase their skills. It’s the moments and the rituals that matter the most in Bengali weddings, and this checklist serves as a guide to make sure that you don’t miss out on capturing any special moment.
