FF: Were we meant to be together? (Virmaan) - Page 5

Maanvi, Vanshika, Kadambari, Maya and another relative bring five colourfully decorated metal thalis (round plates). Of these five thalis, three thalis contained assorted Indian sweets specially made by Maanvi. The fourth thali contained a range of garments and jewellery. The fifth thali was filled with a coconut marked with a red swastika, moong, a red cloth piece and a few coins of one rupee and quarter rupee denominations.

The ceremony begined with the Jeevika's entrance, dressed in traditional finery, through the front door of the house. The participating ladies sang traditional songs further enhancing the festive atmosphere. For each step Jeevika took as she entered the house, a piece of coloured silk was placed under her feet along with a little supari, a one rupee coin and a quarter rupee coin. These actions were continued till she reached the place where the puja (worship) was to be performed. An idol of Lord Ganesh and Devi Maiyaa were placed at this place of worship. All the items placed under Jeevika's feet during her walk from the front door to the puja area, i.e. the silk cloth, the supari and the coins, were handed over to Maanvi since Jeevika regarded her as her sister, in keeping with the dictates of tradition.

Beside the idols, the puja area had a baajotth, a low four-legged wooden seat, traditionally used for such religious occasions. Jeevika was made to sit on the baajotth and a small red dot was put on her forehead for good luck. After this, Nani, Kadambari and Vanshika fill her godh (the paalav of her saree) with gifts and jewellery. Maanvi then offer her a cup of sweetened saffron milk before tying a yellow thread around the wrist of the right hand. This wristband, known as a nada chhadi, is very significant as it is supposed to protect both Jeevika and the unborn child from evil spirits. The elders blessed Jeevika and her unborn child accompanied by the sound of traditional festive tunes being sung by the women in the background.