Traditions and Ramayana

[Guest guest]

Friends,<br>I have been posting translations from

the Bengali Ramayana which I keep translating as I

read it. I am not able to do so regularly because of

my work schedule.<br>As the story goes, Rama is

about break the bow of Shiva and wed Sita. I wanted to

mention a few points about the traditions and their

incorporation.<br>The Ramayana which I am translating was adapted by

Krittivasa for the Bengali audiences. Thus the customs and

traditions which take place in a Bengali wedding have been

mentioned.<br>The entire wedding process from the time Janaka asks

Dasharatha's permission to take Rama as his son-in-law, to

Rama getting turmeric rubbed all over him and having

bathe twice on the day of the marriage is typical of a

Bengali Wedding.<br>A yagna takes place, and then theres

something called Dadhi Mangal takes place. These take place

in both the bride's and the groom's house. The bride

and groom have their first and last meal for the day.

The meal consists of yogurt and puffed rice. Ladies

of the house feed them (in their respective houses -

in the case of Ramayana, just just happened to be in

Mithila so the ladies of King Janaka's household had to

take charge) amidst chanting of mantras and

ululating.<br>This weekend I will be posting about Rama's wedding so

I just wanted to give a background.<br>Whenever I

come across some typical customs I will try to give an

introduction to them. If anyone has any questions, they are

most welcome to contact me.

[Guest guest]

Babuji!!! i am glad you resumed your narration of Ramayana! Question? When

one is a rasa bhakta, how old is Ram in this sort of Ramlila? <br><br>om tat

sat<br><br>>:*)

[Guest guest]

Rama had just entered his teens when he got married. Sita was much younger. And

a week after he got married, he was in the forests. I will try to check out the

details and get back.