The Tradition of 'Dahina': A Bihari Post-Wedding Ritual

The elaborate rituals of a Bihari Wedding do not end with the bride's departure (Vidaai). A significant post-wedding ceremony is 'Dahina', which plays a crucial role in strengthening the new relationship between the two families.,A few days after the wedding, the groom, along with his father and other male relatives, pays a formal visit to the bride's parental home. This visit is called Dahina. They are received with great honor and hospitality by the bride's family.,The ceremony involves a grand feast and the exchange of gifts. It is an occasion for the two families to interact in a relaxed atmosphere after the hectic wedding schedule. The Dahina ritual formally acknowledges and solidifies the new bond, ensuring that the relationship between the families is one of mutual respect and affection. It is a beautiful tradition that emphasizes the communal aspect of marriage in Bihari culture, similar to the Chauthari custom in Mithila.

Keywords: dahina, bihari wedding rituals, post-wedding ceremony, indian marriage customs