The Pushkarna samaj, in one place
For the young generation and for families far from Rajasthan: where we come from, how families are known, what we value, and how our weddings are done.
Community history is passed down through families and elders, and details differ from family to family. This is a general picture; for your own lineage and customs, your elders and family pandit are the best guide.
From Pushkar to the world
The name Pushkarna is traditionally linked to Pushkar, the sacred lake town near Ajmer. Over centuries the community spread across the desert towns of western Rajasthan, and from there for trade, service and education to Gujarat and India's big cities, and later abroad. The native place, the "gaon", stays part of a family's identity even for those born far away.
- Pushkarthe sacred lake
- Western Rajasthanthe desert towns
- Across Indiatrade, service, study
- The worldGulf, UK, America
Gotra and avatank
Traces a family's lineage to a rishi. Marriage in the same gotra (sagotra) is avoided, and most families also avoid the mother's gotra, the nanihal. This site checks both on every profile.
The family surname. Each avatank is linked with a gotra, which is why elders often know the gotra the moment they hear the surname.
Values of the samaj
The Pushkarna Sawa of Bikaner
One day, one muhurat, and hundreds of weddings inside Bikaner's walled old city. Each family still holds its own wedding with its own rituals and pandit; what they share is the day and the spirit of simplicity and unity.
The date of the next Sawa is fixed by the samaj's pandits and announced by the samaj; please wait for that announcement.
Read the full story of the SawaWedding rituals
- 1Rishta pakkaAfter meetings, kundli milan and the gotra check, the families agree, often with sweets and a little shagun at home.
- 2SagaiTilak on the groom with coconut, sweets and shagun; rings in many families; blessings of elders.
- 3MuhuratThe family pandit sees both kundlis and suggests auspicious dates.
- 4Kumkum patrikaThe first invitation is offered to Shri Ganesh and the family deity.
- 5Ganesh pujaRituals begin at home a few days before, so that all passes without obstacles.
- 6Haldi, mehendi, songsHaldi (pithi or ban) at both homes, wedding songs by the women, then mehendi.
- 7Mayra (bhaat)The nanihal brings clothes, jewellery and gifts; the mama has a special place.
- 8BaraatThe baraat is welcomed with toran and aarti.
- 9Pheras and saat vachanKanyadaan, the pheras around the sacred fire, the seven vows, sindoor and mangalsutra.
- 10Vidai and griha praveshThe bride's farewell, and her welcome at the new home with the kalash at the threshold.
Customs differ from town to town and family to family; ask your elders how it is done in your family.
Four things to ask your elders
Many young people grew up far from the native place. A conversation with grandparents gives you exactly what families look for in a biodata.
- Your gotra and your mother's gotra (nanihal gotra)
- Your avatank and native place
- The names of dada ji and nana ji, and their villages
- Your family's kuldevi and family traditions