| The quick way
in which the marriages were settled and performed is still being perpetuated at Saurath
mela, which is probably a singular institution of its kind in the world. At village
Saurath, in Darbhanga district, every year a big mela is held only for striking marriage
bargains. The parents and guardians of
boys and girls attend this congregation with horoscopes and pundits, on examining the
same, give their opinion as to the suitability of the marriages contemplated between the
parties concerned. Immediately on hearing their opinion, it is quite common for the boy's
father, along with a few friends, to rush to the girl's place and the wedding will duly
take place.
The lines of the Balakanda, dwelling on the touching
farewell given by King Janaka to the bridegroom's party, evoke before us a scene full of
pathos. Many are the songs that have been composed over this sad parting, which are still
recited, along with passages from Tulsidas Ramayana, when a bride now- leaves her parent's
home. Several of the songs that are recited by the ladies of Mithila now are woven round
the lines in the Ramayana describing Sita's marriage. |
