Creating A Beautiful Shree: A Guide For Bengali Weddings

Shree is an essential part of Bengali weddings, symbolising Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. It is made from rice powder, turmeric, sindoor (vermilion) and mustard oil, shaped into a pyramidal structure, and decorated with flowers, colours, designs and alpana. The Shree is made by married women in the bride's family, and one is made at both the groom and bride's homes before being exchanged with gifts.

Shree symbolises Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity

The Shree symbolises Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. The word 'Shree' is used to show respect and reverence. The word 'Lakshmi' is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Laksya', meaning 'aim' or 'goal'. She is also known as 'Sri' or 'Shri', which means 'noble', 'auspiciousness', 'glory', and 'high rank'.

Lakshmi is one of the principal goddesses in Hinduism and is revered as the deity of wealth, fortune, prosperity, beauty, fertility, royal power, and abundance. She is part of the Tridevi, a triad of great goddesses, along with Parvati and Sarasvati. Lakshmi is also the Supreme Goddess in the Vaishnavism sect, where she is regarded as the divine energy (Shakti) of Vishnu, the Supreme Being. She assists him in creating, protecting, and transforming the universe.

Lakshmi is often depicted in Indian art as elegantly dressed, golden-coloured, and either sitting or standing on a lotus throne, holding a lotus in her hand. The lotus symbolises fortune, self-knowledge, and spiritual liberation. Her iconography also shows her with four hands, which represent the four Purusharthas or aspects of human life important to Hindu culture: dharma (righteousness), artha (wealth), kama (pleasure), and moksha (beatitude).

Lakshmi is worshipped by those who wish to acquire or preserve wealth. It is believed that Lakshmi only visits clean houses where the residents are hardworking. She is also associated with the harvest and is worshipped for the blessings of abundance and success in the harvest.

The worship of the mother goddess has been a part of Indian tradition since its earliest times, and Lakshmi is one of the mother goddesses, often addressed as 'Mata' (mother) instead of 'Devi' (goddess).

The Shree is made from rice powder, turmeric, sindoor, mustard oil and shaped like a pointing mount

The Shree is an important part of Bengali wedding rituals. Symbolising Goddess Lakshmi, the Shree is made from a dough of rice powder, turmeric, sindoor (vermilion) and mustard oil. The ingredients are combined to make a dough with the correct proportion of ingredients, which is then shaped into a pyramidal structure, like a pointing mount. The Shree is decorated with flowers, colours, designs and alpana.

The Shree is made by married women in the bride's family, usually the day before the wedding. It is made in a baron dala, a tray woven from bamboo fibres. The Shree is made at both the bride and groom's homes and is exchanged with gifts. The Goddess Lakshmi is believed to shower blessings on the newlyweds, bringing them happiness and a successful marriage.

The ingredients used to make the Shree are all auspicious and sacred. Turmeric is a sacred, dried spice, often used in Hindu rituals. Sindoor, or vermilion, is a red powder used in Hindu rituals, often applied to the forehead. Mustard oil is also considered auspicious and pious in the Bengali community.

The Shree is an important part of the Bengali wedding ceremony, which is a colourful, creative and meaningful celebration. The rituals are steeped in culture and tradition, with a focus on art and beauty. The Shree is just one of many rituals, each with symbolic and decorative elements.

Decorations vary from home to home, but often include flowers, colours, designs and alpana

The specific decorations and presentation of the Shree hold great significance in Bengali weddings. The married women in the bride's family carefully craft the Shree, ensuring the correct proportion of ingredients to create a stable structure. The use of turmeric and sindoor imparts an auspicious significance to the Shree, invoking blessings and positive energy.

Flowers are carefully selected to add a touch of elegance and colour to the Shree. The choice of flowers may vary depending on the season, availability, and personal preferences of the family. Fresh, vibrant blooms are meticulously arranged to create a visually appealing display. The designs and alpana patterns that adorn the Shree are often intricate and meticulously crafted. These patterns may include traditional motifs, symbolic elements, or artistic creations that reflect the creativity and cultural heritage of the family.

The decorations on the Shree are not just aesthetic but also hold symbolic value. The colours, for example, are chosen for their auspicious meanings and cultural significance. Red, for instance, symbolises passion and energy, while yellow signifies prosperity and happiness. The designs and alpana patterns may incorporate geometric shapes, nature-inspired motifs, or traditional Bengali art forms, each carrying their own unique meaning and significance.

The Shree is not just a decorative element but is believed to be a symbol of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. The decorations on the Shree are thus chosen to invoke her blessings and seek her favour upon the newlywed couple. The exchange of Shree between the families of the bride and groom is a sacred tradition, symbolising the union of two families and the blessings bestowed upon the couple for a happy and prosperous married life.

The Shree is made by married women in the bride's family

The Shree is an important part of Bengali wedding rituals, symbolising Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. It is made by married women in the bride's family, who prepare a dough using rice powder, turmeric, sindoor (vermilion) and mustard oil. The turmeric and sindoor dye the rice a bright red, while the mustard oil adds elasticity to the mixture.

The Shree is shaped like a pointing mount or pyramid, and the dough must be kneaded with the correct proportion of ingredients to prevent it from collapsing. Once the structure is complete, it is decorated with flowers, colours, alpana designs and other creative embellishments. The Shree is then exchanged with the groom's family alongside gifts, symbolising the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi for a happy and successful marriage.

The Shree is made a day before the wedding at the bride's home, and it is an occasion for married women to come together and contribute their skills and blessings to the wedding rituals. The women carefully craft the Shree, ensuring the correct proportions and decorations, as it plays a sacred role in the wedding traditions.

The making of the Shree is a collaborative effort, with each woman bringing her own unique touch to the process. Some may have learned the skill from their mothers or grandmothers, passing down traditional techniques and designs. Others may experiment with new ideas, adding their creative flair to the Shree's decorations. The women work together, sharing stories, laughter and well-wishes for the bride, creating a heart-warming and memorable atmosphere.

The Shree is a beautiful and intricate part of the Bengali wedding, reflecting the community's deep respect for tradition, art and culture. It is a symbol of the blessings and good wishes bestowed upon the bride and groom by their families, setting the tone for a joyous and auspicious celebration.

The Shree is exchanged between the two families along with other gifts

The Shree is an essential part of Bengali weddings, symbolising Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. It is made by married women in the bride's family from rice powder in a tray woven using bamboo fibres, called a baron dala. The rice dough is prepared with turmeric, sindoor (vermilion) and mustard oil, and shaped into a pyramidal structure. It is then decorated with flowers, colours, designs and alpana.

The Shree is made at both the bride's and the groom's homes by their respective families, and exchanged along with other gifts. The exchange of gifts, or Tattava, is a significant part of Bengali weddings. The gifts are elaborately showcased in decorated trays, with origami and paper flowers, and creatively done name tags for each recipient.

The gifts from the groom's family to the bride's family include apparel for the bride and her immediate family, beauty products, footwear, and a whole fish packed artistically. The fish is considered auspicious. The bride's family, in turn, brings gifts for the newlywed couple and the groom's family. These include a whole fish, dresses, bath and beauty kits, footwear, purses, suitcases, wallets, spices, sweets, fruits and curd (yogurt). The objective is to provide everything the newlyweds will need to set up their home.

Bengalis are artistic by nature, and they try to outdo each other in decorating the gifts. For instance, it is not unusual to find the groom's dhoti folded into the shape of Ganesh or the bride's sari resembling a butterfly. The exchange of the Shree and other gifts between the two families is a colourful and joyous part of Bengali weddings, reflecting the families' creativity and respect for tradition.

Frequently asked questions