Customs and Tradition
The origin of the customs and traditions of Rajasthan
is easily traceable to the cantos of the Vedas, wherein specific rites
and ceremonies are prescribed in the minutest detail for the Samskaras
in the life of every man and woman. The Customs and traditions of Rajasthan
are the Rajasthani version of these Vedic rites and rituals. The Rajasthani
people have religiously followed the dictum of the Vedas at every stage
from birth till death. They have added some regional rites and rituals
to these Vedic ceremonies. According to the Vedas every man has to perform
certain ceremonies, known as Samskaras, from birth to death. Sixteen in
number, they mainly relate to three major events in one's life i.e., birth,
marriage and death.
Birth
Garbhadharan (Conception)
In Rajasthan nine important ceremonies mark the birth
of a child. The first is the Garbhadhan ceremony. When a bride conceives
for the first time, it is considered a good omen for the family. Near
and dear ones visit the girl and they sing together to the accompaniment
of a dholak and express their unbounded joy. The songs are significant
and many describe the changes that occur in the body of the girl and the
resultant changes in her mood and behaviour and also her likes and dislikes. |