In Sambalpur there appears to be no system of exogamous groups, and
marriage is determined simply by relationship. The union of agnates
is avoided as long as the connection can be traced between them, but
on the mother's side all except first cousins may marry. Marriage
is usually adult, and girls are sometimes allowed to choose their
own husbands. A bride-price of about eight _khandis_ (1400 lbs.) of
unhusked rice is paid. The ceremony is performed at the bridegroom's
house, to which the bride proceeds after bidding farewell to her
family and friends in a fit of weeping. Weddings are avoided during
the four months of the rainy season, and in Chait (March) because it
is inauspicious, Jeth (May) because it is too hot, and Pus (December)
because it is the last month of the year among the Binjhwars. The
marriage ceremony should begin on a Sunday, when the guests are
welcomed and their feet washed. On Monday the formal reception of the
bride takes place, the Gandsan or scenting ceremony follows on Tuesday,
and on Wednesday is the actual wedding. At the scenting ceremony seven
married girls dressed in new clothes dyed yellow with turmeric conduct
the bridegroom round the central post; one holds a dish containing
rice, mango leaves, myrobalans and betel-nuts, and a second sprinkles
water from a small pot. At each round the bridegroom is made to throw
some of the condiments from the dish on to the wedding-post, and after
the seven rounds he is seated and is rubbed with oil and turmeric.