The Social Custom of 'Chauthari' in Mithila

In the rich tapestry of Maithil wedding traditions, 'Chauthari' or 'Chaturthi' is a significant post-wedding ceremony. It takes place on the fourth day after the wedding, when the groom, along with the bride, visits his in-laws' house for the first time as a married couple. It is a key part of the elaborate Bihari Wedding Rituals.,The ceremony is filled with light-hearted games and rituals designed to break the ice and formally introduce the groom to the bride's family and community. The couple is welcomed with great fanfare, and they participate in playful activities, often involving finding a ring in a bowl of milk or untying complex knots.,A grand feast is organized, and the couple receives blessings and gifts from the bride's relatives. The Chauthari ceremony is not just a formality; it is a crucial social event that helps in building and strengthening the relationship between the two families. It beautifully marks the transition of the groom from a guest to a son-in-law, embedding the new relationship within the wider community, similar to the Dahina ritual in other parts of Bihar.

Keywords: chauthari, mithila wedding, post-wedding rituals, maithil culture, bihari marriage