Want a Compere-Emcee for roce cermony Mumbai?

A Roce ceremony is a traditional pre-wedding ritual observed by Goan Catholics and Mangalorean Catholics and a compere livens up the event. It is equivalent to the Hindu Haldi ceremony but uses coconut milk instead of turmeric paste.

The word "Roce" (pronounced ro-say) comes from the Konkani word for coconut milk.

Here is a detailed breakdown of what the ceremony entails, its significance, and how it is performed. You can do it with or without a compere.

1. What is the significance?

The primary purpose of the Roce ceremony is to anoint the bride and groom with coconut milk.

Purification and Cleansing: Similar to the Haldi ceremony, it is believed to cleanse and purify the skin before the wedding day.
Blessing: It is a way for family and friends to bless the couple.
Beautification: Coconut milk is known for its moisturizing and skin-brightening properties, helping the couple "glow" on their big day.
Community Bonding: It serves as an ice-breaker, bringing close family and neighbors together to celebrate before the formal church wedding.

2. When does it happen?

The ceremony usually takes place on the evening before the wedding (or sometimes two days prior depending on the family custom). It is held separately at the bride's home and the groom's home.

3. The Ritual Procedure

While customs can vary slightly from family to family, the general flow is as follows:

The Setup: The bride or groom sits on a special stool (often a velvet-covered chair or a wooden stool) placed in a central area of the house or courtyard. They usually wear white or simple clothes that they don't mind getting messy.
The Application:
- The ceremony begins with the application of coconut milk (Roce). In some traditions, this is followed by the application of coconut oil.
- Traditionally, the coconut milk is applied using a specific utensil (sometimes a leaf or a cup made of a specific leaf known as Vo in Konkani) or simply poured by hand.
- The process starts with the parents and immediate family, followed by relatives and friends. People take turns applying the milk to the couple's face, neck, arms, legs, and feet.
The "Voviyo" (Songs): A unique and vital part of the Roce ceremony is the singing of Voviyo (traditional Konkani wedding hymns). These are folk songs sung by a group of women (often aunties or grannies) accompanying the ceremony. The songs are usually lighthearted, teasing, and humorous, recounting the story of the wedding or offering advice to the bride/groom.
Showering of Gifts: As guests apply the roce, they may offer gifts or money to the couple.
The Coconut Breaking: In many Goan customs, a coconut is broken at the feet of the groom (or bride) at the start or end of the ceremony to ward off evil eyes.

4. The After-Party

Once the anointing is done, the atmosphere shifts from ritual to celebration. The guests (often covered in coconut milk themselves) are served a traditional meal or snacks. Popular items include Sanna (steamed rice cakes), Bebinca (a layered dessert), and other Goan delicacies. It is customary to serve alcohol (beer or feni) as well.

5. Roce vs. Haldi

While the Roce and Haldi serve the same function, there are key differences:

Substance: Haldi uses a turmeric paste (yellow). Roce uses coconut milk/oil (white).
Music: The singing of Voviyo is unique to Catholic weddings; Hindu weddings may sing different folk songs, but the specific Voviyo tradition is distinct to the Konkani Catholic culture.

Summary

For Catholic Indians (specifically from Goa and Mangalore), the Roce is a fun, messy, and deeply cultural event that signifies the transition from single life to married life, emphasizing community support and traditional beauty secrets. A compere is a good idea for the event.