The Tradition of 'Doli' and 'Palki': The Bridal Palanquin

In the rich tapestry of Bihari Wedding Rituals, the 'Doli' or 'Palki' (palanquin) holds a special and deeply emotional place. It is a covered litter, often ornately decorated, used to carry the bride from her parental home to her husband's home after the wedding.,The moment the bride steps into the Doli marks the 'Vidaai' (farewell), the most poignant part of the wedding. It symbolizes her departure from her childhood home and her transition into a new life and a new family. The Doli is carried by male relatives or porters, and the procession is accompanied by tearful family members and traditional farewell songs.,While modern transportation like cars has largely replaced the Doli in urban areas, it is still used in many rural weddings as a way of upholding tradition. The image of the Doli remains a powerful and enduring symbol of a bride's farewell in the cultural consciousness of Bihar, a final step after ceremonies like Dahina.

Keywords: doli, palki, bridal palanquin, bihari wedding, vidaai, cultural traditions