Weddings usually come with vows, rituals and a lot of relatives watching your every move. But in a Parsi wedding, there is apparently also a tiny competition to decide who gets to be the more dominant partner. In the latest episode of Tere Gully Mein, Nauheed Cyrusi took viewers through Mumbai’s Parsi neighbourhood and spoke about the traditions she grew up with. During a conversation with her mother, the two explained one of the playful rituals that takes place during a Parsi wedding.
Parsi Weddings Have A Rice-Throwing Ritual
If you have never been to a Parsi wedding ceremony, let us explain. The bride and groom sit facing each other, with a white curtain, or parda, between them. Both hold rice in their hands, waiting for the moment when the curtain is removed. And then comes the part that sounds suspiciously like a very traditional version of “may the fastest person win.”
Towards the end of the ceremony, both throw the rice at each other. Whoever manages to throw it first and get it onto the other person’s head is considered the winner.
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Nauheed Cyrusi Says She Won This Playful Ritual At Her Wedding!
Nauheed Cyrusi revealed that she won this particular contest at her own wedding. She was the one who got her rice onto her husband’s head first, which, according to the belief associated with the ritual, means she is the more dominating one in the marriage.
Naturally, Nauheed had no complaints about that interpretation.
“I am positively dominating,” she said, turning what was already a fun wedding tradition into a rather confident marital declaration.
Her mother, however, had a small correction to the story. She revealed that the priest had actually taken Nauheed’s hand and helped her throw the rice first. So the victory was hers, but perhaps not entirely self-engineered.
Still, a win is a win.
The little rice battle offers a glimpse into the lighter side of Parsi wedding traditions, where a deeply ceremonial occasion can also have room for humour and symbolism. And for Nauheed Cyrusi, it seems the ceremony came with the realisation that she is perfectly willing to accept that she is “positively dominating.”
Also Read: Exclusive: Nauheed Cyrusi Is A Proud Member Of The Curly Tales Community!
Watch the full Tere Gully Mein episode on the Curly Tales App and Curly Tales YouTube Channel.
Cover Image Courtesy: Internal
FAQs
What is the rice-throwing ritual in a Parsi wedding?
The bride and groom hold rice and, when the curtain between them is removed, throw it at each other. The person who gets their rice onto the other’s head first is considered the winner.
What does winning the Parsi rice ritual mean?
According to the belief described by Nauheed Cyrusi, the person who wins the ritual is considered the more dominant partner in the marriage.
Did Nauheed Cyrusi win the ritual at her wedding?
Yes. Nauheed said that she managed to get the rice onto her husband’s head first during her own wedding ceremony.