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News18 highlights the Matkod ritual from Ballia, an age-old Hindu wedding tradition where women dig soil, sing, dance, and wear yellow to invoke blessings
The Matkod, or soil-digging ritual, is deeply rooted in Ballia’s cultural fabric. (Local18)
As the wedding season begins, the air resonates with the sounds of tilak songs, shehnai, and vibrant celebrations. Amid this festive atmosphere, News18 spotlights a distinctive tradition from Ballia that continues to thrive, the Matkod ritual.
This age-old ceremony, rooted in Hindu customs, holds a special place in weddings across the region, especially among women. It is believed to invoke divine blessings for a happy and prosperous married life.
Kanchan Singh, a married woman from Ballia, explains that while wedding traditions vary across regions, the Matkod, or soil-digging ritual, is deeply rooted in Ballia’s cultural fabric. Performed by women from both the bride’s and groom’s families, the ritual is dedicated to Mother Earth and takes place before the Haldi ceremony.
How Is The Matkod Ritual Performed
The first phase of the ritual involves choosing a sacred spot outside the village, where women gather carrying five continueslarge bamboo baskets, along with materials for worship. After digging the soil, they fill each pot and bring them home for use in the wedding mandap until the final ceremony.
A second round of Matkod takes place near the bride’s or groom’s home. Here, soil is dug again, and betel leaves, betel nuts, and coins are hidden in it. The bride or groom is then made to search for these items while their mother covers their eyes. As this unfolds, the women sing, dance, and celebrate together.
Adding a splash of colour to tradition, a new trend has emerged, all participating women wear yellow, a color considered auspicious. Many believe this enhances the ritual’s spiritual and symbolic significance.
- Location :
Ballia, India, India
