What it means
Vidaai marks the bride's departure from her childhood home to begin life with her husband's family. It is a bittersweet moment — joy for the new union mixed with the emotion of parting. The bride traditionally throws back handfuls of rice/coins over her head, a gesture of repaying and wishing prosperity on her parents' home.
What happens
- 1The bride bids farewell to her family, often amid tears.
- 2She throws rice or coins back over her shoulder toward her parental home.
- 3She departs with the groom, traditionally in a decorated car (or historically a doli/palanquin).
Applies to: North Indian Hindu, Gujarati Hindu, Punjabi Hindu, Marwari Hindu
This explanation is under review by a religious authority — a companion to, not a replacement for, your pandit.