Meer Hassan Ali, B.: Observations on the Mussulmauns of India: descriptive of their manners, customs, habits, and religious opinions ; made during a twelve years residence in their immediate Society (Band 1) (London, 1832)

WEDDING CEREMONIES. 367

LETTER XIV.

Wedding ceremonies of the Mussulmauns.—The new or full
moon propitious to the rites being concluded.—Marriage
settlements unknown.—Control of the wife over her own
property.—Three days and nights occupied in celebrating
the wedding.—Preparations previously made by both
families.—Ostentatious display on these occasions.—
Day of Sarchuck.—Customs on the day of Mayndhie.—
Sending Presents.—Day of Baarraat.—Procession of the
bridegroom to fetch the bride.—The bride's departure
to her new home.—Attendant ceremonies explained.—
Similarity of the Mussulmaun and Hindoo ceremonies.—
Anecdote of a Moollah.—Tying the Narrah to the
Moosul,

When the young lady's family have made
all the necessary arrangements for that im-
portant event (their daughter's nuptials), notice
is sent to the friends of the intended bride-
groom, and the gentlemen of both families meet
to settle on what day the celebration is to take
place. They are guided in the final arrange-