“Sarbaala” in
hindi, “Markundi” in odiya is the younger brother, cousin or nephew, who
accompany groom on the marriage date. Presently, this is the most prominent way
to involve younger kids as a part of the marriage celebration.
Origin: I spend
enormous time on books and internet to know the evolution of this concept.
Hardly, there is any mention about role of
“Markundi” in marriage. The following sentences, collected from web,
carry the best meaning:
Original word could have been derived from
Sanskrit. Seh-baala...Associate groom. Or Sir-baala...replaceable groom (in
case the groom disappears). Many weddings in old days used to happen amidst a
feud and fight between two sides with a very good chance of Groom getting his
head chopped by someone. Seh-baala will take his place and bring the bride home
for tribe's honor no matter what. I am sure originally groom used to be 12 or
14 yr olds while Sarbaala few years younger but oddly grooms have grown
older(sometimes 35 yr:-)) with time but sarbala have become even younger with
the tradition turning into only a tradition without any practical use with
time.
This tradition is practised in many parts of the sub-continent but almost religiously
in north and eastern states. Anyone can go through below points, to make it
more attractive.
·
Go
for the same style of dress for Groom as well as Markundi. The only difference
will be visible as size of the wearable.
·
Going
one step ahead, choose shoes, turban and other accessories with similar to
groom’s collection.
·
Spend
some time with the Markundi and tell the youngster what you have
in mind ahead of time, and explain what is expected of them on the day. Explain
what a wedding is all about and why it’s an honour to get this special role.
·
Give a thought, how messy children can be, especially
at the reception. It’s a wise decision, to investing some extra, on alternative
wear for when they want to start skidding around the dance floor.
·
You’ll probably also want to invest in a gift to say
thanks for their services. Bear in mind that all children want to play with
gifts now, if it’s a new toy. So make sure it’s something that can keep them
amused during the reception and not intrude on the reception, like a vuvuzela.
A weds B
