Weddings are one of the most important stages in people’s lives. they disrupt their previous routines to start over. To make this transition smooth, Indian weddings are full of traditions that help the couple as they begin their journey as a couple. One such tradition is the Mayra or Bhat ceremony, where the bride’s maternal family comes forward with blessings and gifts to ensure her well-being and safety.
However, a video is going viral on the internet in which the tradition was observed with much extravagance. In the video, the bride’s maternal uncles from Rajasthan can be seen donating huge sums of money, along with additional gifts such as jewellery, property documents and even a tractor. In the video, the amount of money, as it is added to the board, is counted out loud. According to the video, the uncles donated a total of Rs 1 crore, Rs 11 lakh and Rs 151 each. The announcement is followed by a big applause from the people standing there.
The reposted video has since been viewed 2.6 million times and attracted more than 1,000 comments. While some comments praised that the age-old tradition is still honored today, others were not so kind. Such a lavish display of money and cash led many people to question the legitimacy of such money and called it ‘dahej’. One user commented: ‘If he had that much money he should have just given it to the bride and given her the power to start a business. It’s not like this man is going to treat his wife like a queen after taking all that money. She will have to live with her in-laws and be the maid.
What is Mayra or Bhat in Marwari Weddings?
Mayra or Bhat is a very famous tradition, usually observed in Marwari families. This event is the formal recognition that the maternal uncles are deeply involved in the lives of their nieces/nephews. The maternal uncle arrives along with his family with gifts, which usually include jewelry, sweets, and sometimes significant monetary contributions.
The maternal uncle also donates items such as utensils, household supplies or even furniture depending on the needs and habits of the family. While the tradition used to be more casual and orthodox, today modern elements and extravagance have also changed some aspects of the tradition. Modern Mayra ceremonies often include contemporary items such as gadgets, designer outfits or even contributions to destination weddings.
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