Like all wedding celebrations in India, Marathi matrimonial functions go for a number of days. Most of the weddings in Marathi are grand and has several rituals that begin several days before the actual wedding day. According to Marathi matrimonial, many rituals happen before and after the wedding day. Alliances for Marathi matrimony were earlier searched with the help of village priests or relatives, but now matrimonial websites are becoming popular to find the bride or groom for Marathi community.
The main wedding rituals happen in the morning though some happens in the afternoon too. All depends on the muhurat, which is the auspicious time to tie the knot according to Hindu rites. One common muhurat or auspicious time is when cows return in the morning after grazing fields. This muhurat is known as Goraj Muhurta. As a custom, no Hindu Marathi matrimonial takes place in the night.
Some common rituals before the day of wedding in Marathi custom are Sakhar Puda, Kelvan, and Kuldevta. Horoscope of girl and boy are matched. The family astrologer matches the horoscopes and checks compatibility issues. With all things sorted, the families gets ready for wedding celebrations. The Sakhar Puda ritual, boy and girl have a piece of gur (jaggery). This is similar to engagement in other communities of India. The boys parents present the girl with traditional sari and green bangles. The bride to be wears the green bangles. Once this ritual is completed, both the families sends wedding invitation cards to relatives and friends.