Oriya Hindu Wedding or Bahaghara (Oriya: ଓଡ଼ିଆ ବାହାଘର) is a wedding ceremony performed by Oriya Hindu people in the Indian state of Orissa. There are subtle differences in the rites observed by different castes. In the Oriya marriage rituals mother of the bridegroom does not take part in the ceremony. The Oriya/Odia Brahmins have their weddings only in the daytime, preferably mornings, while the other caste weddings are done during the evening or night.
There is the custom of sending betel nuts to family friends for inviting them to the marriage. The first invitation is sent to Lord Jagannath, Puri as a respect to the lord. Marriages in Orissa/Odisha are mostly fixed and arranged by the parents. Now a days, lots of love marriage/inter-caste marriages are also happening. Marriages for serving or capturing is not common.
The marriage happens in three major rituals, Nirbandha (fixing the marriage), Bahaghara (wedding) and Chauthi/Chaturthi (consummation). A marriage is not considered complete or valid until consummation. These rituals are performed either at the Duara (bride’s house) or Tola kanias house (Bridegroom’s residence).