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Dhaka Day by Day

Heavenly Acts, Earthly Delights

by Sabah Chowdhury
Marriages are made In heaven, goes the common saying and Indeed if one were to see the colourful marriage preparations tn this * part of Asia one would almost believe tt.
Generally. Muslim marriages are dominated by social custom going beyond the simple religious ceremony which faith dictates. If one counts the number of occasions beginning from the time when the boy s side visit to “look" at the bride-to-be. till the final recep Uon given by the boy’s side, it could last any where from 15 days to 1 month.
The social practices are in exact contrast to tha .simple religious i ceremony. and In cas I c> border on the showy While the up par class finds wed dings an excuse to spend wildly, the riddle class manages to Ind a reason to go an a shopping splurge. In fact, shop ping is more than half the fun. for ladies specially In case of wed dings
Such customs have naturally spawned its own market and spe cialized shops cater Ing to the marriage crowd, is quite common now. Usually named "Zori Mahal". Zori Bitan." "Shubho Bibaho" etc. Dhaka has these kinds of shops In almost every shopping centre of the city, be it big or small.
These shops are easily identified by the dazzling and glittering streamers and decora ttons of other kinds, hung all around the shops. It is a small enclosed world of beauty and eye-catching colours.
As one enters these shops, a whole indulgent world awaits. The rows of shelves are full of cosmetics and toiletries, both local and of foreign make.
However, a very interesting part of these shops are that they mostly supply items used for the "Gaye Holud". a function which takes place both at the brides as well as the groom's: two or three days before the actual wedding day. This has nothing to do with Muslim marriages ritually, but much with traditional Indian custom.
Mr. Zalnul Abedin, owner of one such shops at Kalabagan said that winter is the high tide for sale. as it is the marriage season which lasts from October to February.
Talking about business, he informed that cosmetics and toiletries of foreign brand are more expensive than the local ones. The "PagiT or the headdress of the groom to be worn on the wedding day would cost anything between Taka 200 to 800 depending on the material of which it Is made of Those made of costly Bangladeshi synthetic Muslin' as popu larly known would be Taka 500 to 800.
Sold In transparent boxes, they are either white or golden In colour. The traditional shoe ito be worn by the groom, often called "nagra" would be something between Taka 200 to 350. One can see rows of these two things tn these shops. The cost of decorating the bride-Jroom's car varies rom Taka 200 to 6000, depending on the variety and combination of fresh flowers ordered. Roses and Rajonlgandhas would cost the most. It would cost much less, if done with flowers made of cloth or paper. Mr. Abedin said shops like his have design books, to choose from.
About "Gaye Holud," items he said that the Items special for this occasion Is the "uptan". (a kind of preparation por the skin) locally made. Sohaag Oil etc. Flower Jewellery made for the bride-to-be. worn on the Holud. costs between Taka 200 to 500 depending on the flowers. Marigolds cost lesser.
Abedin remarked that "marriages as a social institution is under pressure in Bangladesh. but weddings are becoming more colourful." Perhaps making sure that even if the end is gloomy for some the beginning is at least joyous and colourful.
Replying to a question on the choice of his trade he said. "Although there is a lull period after winter, this is a comparatively stable business. for as long as weddings are to be celebrated in such an elaborate manner, we will be in business".