In a heartwarming celebration of love and culture, renowned Indian actor Randeep Hooda tied the knot with Lin Laishram, a talented model-actor from Manipur, in a traditional Meitei wedding held in Imphal on November 29. This joyous occasion was witnessed by their closest friends and family members, as the couple embarked on their journey of marital bliss.
A Blend of Tradition, Community, and Rituals
Meitei weddings, deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of Manipur, are cherished celebrations that embrace tradition, community, and unique rituals. According to Akoijam Suranjoy Singh, a young resident of Manipur, the bride and groom are revered as Lord Krishna and Radha on their wedding day. This sentiment is echoed through the songs called Luhongba, sung during the festivities, which are dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha. The wedding ceremony serves as a powerful symbol of divine love and union, enveloping the couple in an aura of sacredness.
Inspired by Epic Love Stories
In a display of their admiration for epic love stories, Randeep Hooda and Lin Laishram drew inspiration from the Mahabharata. Hooda expressed this sentiment through the wedding invite shared on social media, where he mentioned Arjuna’s marriage to the Manipuri Warrior Princess, Chitrangada. He beautifully acknowledged the blessings of their families and friends, emphasizing the fusion of traditions and the deep significance of their union.
A Captivating Ensemble for the Bride
Lin Laishram, resplendent as she embarked upon her new journey, wore the potloi skirt, a traditional garment made from sturdy fabric and bamboo. This drum-like Manipuri bridal dress features meticulously hand-embroidered religious motifs by skilled weavers. The distinctive potloi skirt is sewn onto the bride a few hours before the wedding, marking the beginning of her transformation into a radiant bride. The ensemble is completed with a deep emerald green blouse, a woven belt adorning the waist, and a delicate muslin shawl known as Innaphi, wrapped gracefully around the upper body. To symbolize the bride as Radha, the headdress and gold ornaments hold a special place and are referred to as Jhapa.
Dressed in Elegance and Serenity
Randeep Hooda donned a white dhoti, paired with a traditional turban called Kokyet. This classic attire exuded a sense of elegance and simplicity, representing profound purity and serenity. During the ceremony, Hooda also wore a plain white shawl, further emphasizing the symbolism of purity. These traditional garments showcased his respect for the Meitei customs and underscored the sacredness of the occasion.
The Meitei-Hindu Influence Meitei Hindu weddings bear similarities to the traditional matrimonial style of the Bengalis, as Hinduism among the Meitei ethnicity was introduced from Vaishnavism in Bengal. As described in Suhas Chatterjee’s book, A Socio-Economic History of South Assam, this shared heritage intertwines customs and rituals, showcasing the cultural bond between the two regions.
