A Wedding Ritual with a Bigger Meaning
On July 19, 2025, I attended my cousin Didi Reshika’s wedding. I was honoured to be one of the girls of honour, and I got to take part in a very special ritual called the Mati Korai.
My aunt Rani Seebrun handed me a tray of haldi (turmeric paste), which I placed on my head. I walked outside, where a small box of soil had been placed. My aunt used a shovel to remove soil eight times, which I later learned was meaningful, as eight is a Fibonacci number, a symbol of natural growth and harmony.
After that, she stood still while the other aunts—including cousins and sisters-in-law—put turmeric paste on her back. I joined in and did the same. Then, my aunt asked me to carry the tray back on my head. When we reached inside again, all my aunts blessed me and gave me money as a small gift. The soil was a symbolic way to ask Mother Earth for prosperity and fertility for the new couple.
The Power of Turmeric – Then and Now
Turmeric isn’t just a wedding ritual ingredient. It's also a symbol of beauty, fertility, and growth, especially important for brides. Famous skincare brands today use turmeric in their products because of its amazing natural properties—it's known for being anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and great for glowing skin. So, something traditional and cultural also has a very modern use in beauty routines!
Wisdom from the Priest: Ancient Values, Global Messages
After the ritual, I went to speak with our priest, Acharya Manoj Sharma Busgeet. I was curious about the meaning behind it all. He explained how these traditions connect us to our land, our ancestors, and Mother Earth. It made me think about something much bigger.
Pope Francis, SDG 3, and Acharya’s Shared Message
Later, I remembered reading about Pope Francis’ message in Laudato Si’. In it, he asks people to protect nature and to treat the planet like a gift. Just like Acharya Busgeet, the Pope talks about gratitude, protecting Earth, and living a meaningful, balanced life.
It also links to SDG 3 (Sustainable Development Goal 3), which is about good health and well-being. This ritual promotes both physical health (with turmeric) and spiritual well-being (with blessings and prayers). Everything from the Tiny Forest Project to our wedding rituals reminds us that caring for nature is caring for ourselves, too.
Final Thoughts
This wedding wasn’t just a celebration of love—it was also a moment to connect deeply with our culture, nature, and shared values. Whether it’s a priest, a pope, or even a skincare brand, they all seem to agree on one thing: Mother Earth deserves our respect.
Reference:
Acharya Manoj Sharma Busgeet:
“ Mati Korai is not just a ritual – it is an ancient parampara (tradition) that goes back many generations. When we take the earth and gently place it on the heads of the bride and groom, we are paying homage to Mother Earth. That soil is not ordinary – it is sacred. It holds life, energy, and blessings.
Before we begin the marriage rites, we must seek the permission and blessings of the Earth, because she is our first mother. She holds us, feeds us, and today, she gives her divine blessings to the young couple starting their journey together.
In Hindu philosophy, we believe in the five great elements:
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Earth
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Sky/Space
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Fire
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Air
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Water
These five elements form not only the universe but also the human body. So in every sacred act, especially in marriage, we honour these elements. When we place the earth inside the bedi, we are inviting the blessings into the union. Now, regarding haldi – turmeric – it holds deep significance. In our tradition, turmeric is considered very auspicious. It grows naturally and strongly, often without much care. And it has powerful properties: When we drink it, it acts as medicine. When we apply it on the body, it makes the skin radiant and glowing.
Spiritually, it prepares the couple for a new life and helps bless them with fertility – the ability to carry forward future generations. In some regions, saffron is also used. Like bamboo, saffron is rare and resilient – it doesn’t easily finish. Traditionally, we mix it in sacred drinks, apply it on the skin, or use it during prayers. Saffron enhances beauty, acts as a natural antibiotic, and strengthens vital energy. So, whether it is the earth, the turmeric, or the saffron, each one carries meaning. They purify, they protect, and they bless the bride and groom for a life filled with love, health, strength, and the ability to carry their lineage forward. These rituals are not just symbolic; they are deeply spiritual and rooted in our respect for nature, body, and the divine cycle of life.”
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