Mahiyan (Maiya)Ceremony.Both the groom and bride undergo the same ceremony which is also referred to as Haldi or Vatna ceremony.
A peeri (stool) is placed in front of the mahiyan (Maiya)pattern, where the bride or groom will sit, ideally this should be east facing as per the tradition. A fatti (traditionally a rectangular piece of wood) is placed in front of Peeri, on which the boy or the girl will rest their feet.
The boy or girl carrying a thaal (tray) comes out,which has vatna which is a mixture of turmeric powder, flour and mustard oil that is kneaded into a moist dough, Today, it is preferred to buy handmade ubtan rather than packed ready ubtans available.
Thaal also has gaaney (auspicious red thread) and dupatta (Usually PHULKARI), which four people from family and friends hold and place it above the Bride or the Groom during a ceremony, One duppatta can be placed on the wall behind for the décor.
The family, wipe mustard oil on the boy or girl’s head with a few grass strands.
*VATNA CEREMONY
Then comes a ceremony which family and friends wait for… HALDI OR VATNA CEREMONY. The Bride sits on the Patri with arms and legs exposed.They rub vatna on the boy or girl, on the face, arms, hands and feet. The mahiyan (maiya) ceremony is a playful and cheeky affair when relatives will often mischievously apply the vatna on every available body part! Ladies traditionally sing jovial folk songs to enhance the celebratory atmosphere.
