Marriages in Gaddis

There is no restriction on anyone marrying within the village provided gotra exogamy is maintained and that there is no common relative from the Father’s or Mother’s side up to three generations in the family one is marrying into. Restrictions exist in marrying into the families in which a sister or a daughter has been married with the exception in cases of economically poor families, where marriage by exchange is practiced.Marriage rituals are performed at the bride’s residence, including kanyadaan or sanklap and pradikshna or char lavi (walking round the fire four times), with the bridal knot having been tied to the bride and the groom. A feast is also arranged by the bride’s parents. The nuptial ceremony is performed at the groom’s residence. Hypergamy and consanguineous marriages are not permitted, where, levirate and sororate permitted. Traditionally child marriage followed by gaona was practiced, but now adults’ marriages are practiced at the age of 16 to 25 for girls and boys respectively. Among the various modes of acquiring mates, byah (wedding) is the most common the other forms being batta-satta, ghar-javantri, bariana and jhind-phunk. Monogamy is the general rule, with polygene is resorted to in exceptional cases, where the first lare is unable to give the family an heir. The usual symbol for a married woman is a nose ring and a choora, but this is not being strictly adhered to these days. Reet or lag was prevalent, which traditionally consisted of giving of at least 60 silver coins, but today it has been replaced by voluntary dowry given in kind, and depends on the economic status of the person. Residence is usually patrilocal, but there is a tendency nowadays to separate soon after marriage due to various reasons. Divorce is permitted and can be initiated by the aggrieved party on grounds of infidelity and incompatibility of mature, with socio-judicial approval. A divorcee is compensated by way of returning the marriage expenses. Children are normally the liability of the father in divorce cases, but in the event a divorcee woman wants to take them she can do so if the divorcee husband also desires the same. Khewat (divorcee remarriage) can however take place. Widow marriage is also permitted with either the husband’s elder or younger brother and so is widower remarriage.

The gaddi marriage ceremonies are not only interestingly fascinating but also are very elaborate and peculiar. Marriages are usually attended by large number of invitees which includes even distant relatives, Gotries(same clan), friends and neighbours. Traditionally gotries also participate in performing the marriage ceremony rituals. Gaddis show great enthusiasm and togetherness during marriages.