Weddings are one of the most important phases in people’s life. they unsettle their previous routines to start fresh. Hence to make this transition smooth, Indian weddings are full of traditions that help the couple as they embark on their journey as a couple. One such tradition is the Mayra or Bhat ceremony, where the bride’s maternal family steps forward with blessings and gifts to ensure her well-being and security.
However, a video on the internet is going viral where the tradition was honored with much extravagance. In the video, the bride's maternal uncles from Rajasthan can be seen gifting huge sums of money along with additional offerings like jewelry, property documents, and even a tractor. In the video, the sum of money, as it is added to the plate, is being counted out loud. As per the video, the uncles gifted a total of 1 crore, 11 lakh, and 151 rupees. The announcement is followed by a huge round of applause by the people standing there.
The video which was reposted has since received 2.6 million views and more than 1k comments. While some comments praised that the age-old tradition is still being honored in today’s times others were not so kind. Such a lavish display of money and cash prompted many people to question the legitimacy of such money and called it ‘dahej’. One user commented, “If he has that much money he should have simply given it to the bride and empowered her to start a business. It's not like this guy is gonna treat his wife like a Queen after taking all that money. She will need to live with in-laws and be the maid.”
What is Mayra or Bhat in Marwari weddings?
Mayra or Bhat is a very famous tradition, typically observed in Marwari families. This event is the formal acknowledgment that the maternal uncles are deeply involved in the lives of their nieces/nephews. The maternal uncle, along with his family arrives with gifts, which usually include- jewelry, sweets, and sometimes significant monetary contributions.
The maternal uncle also gifts items such as utensils, household essentials, or even furniture, depending on the family's needs and customs. While earlier, the tradition was 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 towards destination weddings.
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