‘PAROJAN’

RESEARCHING THE TRADIONAL

AMEESHI GOENKA

-PDP 210

WHAT I ALREADY KNOW?

Parojan is a

traditional marwari

function that has

been going on for

many generations.

The function is quite

elaborate, similar to

that of marriage, and

is performed in one’s

native place.

It can be performed

only on those

auspicious days of the

hindu calendar on

which the hindu

marriages take place.

Parojan is performed by a

married couple after a son is

born and the marriage of any of

their children.

Families of both the husband and

wife have to be present

throughout the function.

Before the ceremony takes place

the wife goes to her parents

place and invites her side of the

family for the parojan ceremony

with gifts (which can be gold or

silver ware or dry fruits or

clothes and accessories) for them

from her in-laws. This is called

bhaat notna.

The family accepts the

invitation and when they arrive

one day before the ceremony.

The wife receives her family

wherein the wife’s brother puts

the odhna on her head and

gives her some money as

‘shagun’. This is called ‘bhaat

bharna’.

The gifts brought by the wife’s

family for the husband’s side is

then given to them .

The other things used

If the couple does not have a

son the parojan ceremony still

has to be performed before

their daughter’s marriage by

adopting a boy from the family.

There is another type of

parojan which is done for the

when they first get their ears

and nose pierced.

As for my grandfather’s story, he was adopted by his dad’s older brother since

he had five or six daughters.

He stayed with them forever.

He wasn’t adopted just for the pooja but was legally adopted before the pooja.

WHAT I’D LIKE TO KNOW?

• The other small functions that take place and their importance during

parojan.

• The other traditional items used during the ceremony.

• The importance of parojan.

• How did it start?

• How it varies from family to family?

• My grandfather’s complete story.

• More questions will arise as the above mentioned ones are answered.

THANK YOU