Creating A Wedding Tatwa: A Step-By-Step Guide

A wedding tatwa is a traditional part of Bengali marriage ceremonies. It involves the exchange of gifts between the bride's and groom's families. The gifts are presented on a tray, which is often decorated, and can include items such as clothes, jewellery, cosmetics, accessories, sweets and the biggest available fish, which is considered a symbol of plenty, prosperity and fertility. The decoration of the trays is an intricate and painstaking process, with many families opting to hire experts to create unique and beautiful designs.

The traditional gifts exchanged between the families of the bride and groom

In a Bengali wedding, the Tatwa is a ceremonial gift presentation between the families of the bride and groom. The groom's family presents gifts to the bride's family, and vice versa. The biggest available fish, usually a carp, is traditionally given by both sides, forming the centrepiece of the Tatwa. This is a symbol of plenty, prosperity and fertility, and it is cooked and eaten by the bride's family.

The groom's family's gift to the bride is called the "Gatraharidra Tatwa" and includes sarees, cosmetics, accessories, sweets and the fish. The bride's family sends their gift, the "Fulosajja tatwa", to the groom's family on the third day of marriage as a contribution to the newlyweds' new life together. This gift also includes a carp, decorated with oil and vermilion, and banana leaves.

Other gifts exchanged between the families include lavish supplies of sweets, clothes, furniture, jewellery, paan, dhaan, durba, curd, and fruits. These gifts are carried on a brass plate or "kasar thala" and are borne by servants from the bride's home.

In other wedding traditions, the bride and groom may exchange gifts with each other. These gifts are often sentimental and include items such as jewellery, books, clothing, accessories, and handwritten notes.

The symbolic significance of the fish in the tatwa

The tatwa is a ceremonial gift presentation that is part of Bengali marriage rituals. It involves the exchange of gifts between the bride and groom's families. The gifts are carried on a brass plate or a "kasar thala" and are presented by servants from the bride's home. The gifts can include clothes, furniture, jewellery, sweets, and cosmetics. However, the centerpiece of the tatwa is always a carp, the biggest fish the family can afford, decorated with oil and vermilion.

The fish is a symbol of plenty, prosperity, and fertility. In Eastern Indian mythology, the fish is connected to creation and transformation. According to an old legend, Vishnu turned himself into a fish to save the world from a flood. In Chinese culture, koi fish are given to newlyweds as a symbol of fertility, devotion, and a happy marriage. They symbolise courage and tenacity due to their ability to climb rushing streams and waterfalls. In Japanese culture, koi resemble the Samurai warrior.

In Christianity, the fish is a symbol of Jesus Christ, known as the "ichthys" or "Jesus fish". In Celtic symbolism, the salmon is a symbol of wisdom, eaten by the poet Finn Eces to gain all the world's knowledge. In Native American symbolism, the fish is associated with prosperity and fortune, as it is a principal source of food. In African symbolism, the fish represents fertility and creativity, symbolising a new phase of life.

How to decorate the carp

Decorating the carp is an important part of the Bengali wedding tatwa ritual. The carp is a symbol of plenty, prosperity and fertility. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to decorate the carp for a wedding tatwa:

Firstly, source the largest carp you can find, as this is a symbol of status and generosity. Clean the fish and ensure it is dry before you begin decorating.

Next, you will need oil and vermilion. The oil will make the carp's scales glisten, so rub a generous amount all over the fish, ensuring an even coverage. The vermilion is then used to paint patterns on the carp's body. You can be creative with the patterns, but traditional designs are preferred.

The fish is then placed on a banana leaf, which provides a vibrant green background and also has cultural significance. The banana leaf can also be decorated with patterns or designs using the vermilion.

Finally, you may wish to add further decorations, such as a "nath" (nose ring) and a red and gold "chunni" (scarf). These extra details add a touch of playfulness and colour to the presentation.

The tatwa ritual is a beautiful and symbolic part of Bengali wedding traditions, and the decorated carp is a central and memorable feature.

The role of sweets in the tatwa

A tatwa is a ceremonial gift presentation that is part of Bengali marriage ceremonies. The gifts are carried on a brass plate or a "kasar thala" and are borne by servants from the home of the bride. The groom's family sends gifts to the bride, including sarees, cosmetics, accessories, a fish, and sweets. The bride's family also sends gifts to the groom's family, contributing to the newly married couple's new journey together.

The variety of sweets included in the tatwa showcases the generosity of the gifting family. It is an opportunity for them to showcase their culinary skills and present an array of delicious treats for their guests to enjoy. The sweets are carefully selected to complement the other gifts and enhance the overall presentation of the tatwa.

The presentation of sweets in the tatwa also holds symbolic value. In Bengali culture, sweets are often associated with happiness, celebration, and auspiciousness. By including a variety of sweets, the gifting family wishes the newlywed couple a life filled with sweetness, joy, and abundance. The act of sharing sweets is a way to spread happiness and strengthen the bond between the two families.

Additionally, the preparation and arrangement of the sweets in the tatwa can be quite intricate. Families may decorate the sweets or arrange them in creative ways, adding to the visual appeal of the tatwa. The attention to detail and effort put into preparing the sweets showcase the thoughtfulness and care of the gifting family.

The different types of trays used

Plywood trays are often decorated with coloured paper and sequins, while thermocol trays come in various shapes, such as guitars, ducks, or peacocks. Brass plates, or "kasar thala," are also used to carry the gifts, and large leaves can be used to create miniature shapes like Ganeshas.

The choice of tray also depends on the theme and style of the Tatwa. For instance, some decorators offer traditional designs, while others specialise in modern or theme-based presentations, incorporating elements like floral embellishments and lace.

Frequently asked questions