Saptapadi - Shubh Lagna Geet: In India, probably more than anywhere else in the world, music plays an extremely important part in daily life. Hindus celebrate important moments of their lives with music. Be it prayers to the almighty or the joyous occasion of a baby’s birth, it forms an integral part of the celebrations.
Therefore, it is no surprise that marriage ceremonies and rituals are accompanied by music that is considered very auspicious. It reflects and symbolises the varied mood of each part of the sacred ritual, not just coming together of the two souls but also the beginning of a new relationship between two families.
The Gujarati songs in Saptapadi (Seven Steps) highlight some of the key ceremonies that are sacrosanct to a Hindu wedding: from the auspicious prayers offered to Lord Ganesh, the joyous welcoming of the groom’s family and friends, the reception of the groom onto the dais followed by the elaborate entrance of the bride, the all-important walk round the sacred fire by the bride and groom, each consisting of seven steps representing seven significant vows affirming their respective responsibilities and duties in marriage, and the bittersweet moment of departure for the newly wed bride.
Most of the marriage songs albums end there. However, in Saptapadi, the last track has lyrics by “Meghbindu” and its music is composed by Chandu Mattani. It signifies the beginning of a new chapter in the life of the bride. Leaving behind one’s loved ones and entering a new home is, to say the least, a traumatic event for any young woman. Here, the in-laws specifically address the newly wed bride and daughter-in-law, welcoming her into their home and promising her love and affection equal to that she has had from her own family and friends that she has left behind.