Mahishya also spelled Mahisya, is a Bengali Hindu caste, with Indo-Aryan lineage. This community is customarily found in the West Bengal and Orissa. Mahishyas are one of the largest castes in West Bengal. They are found especially in the southern districts of Howrah, Paschim Medinipur, Purba Medinipur, Hoogly and South 24 Parganas. Some of the common surnames of the Mahishya community are Biswas, Santra, Mondal and Sumantra. Mahishya matrimony is a good mix of rituals and fun. The matrimony rituals for the Mahisya community are many and start several days before the actual day of wedding. The matrimonial rituals are divided into pre-wedding, post-wedding and wedding day rituals. Some Mahishya community rituals are Ashirvad, Patri Patra, Holud Kota, Aai Budo Bhaat, Adhibas Tatva, Saankha Porano and Kubi Patta. The gaye hould is the turmeric ceremony and is considered an important pre-wedding ritual. A paste of turmeric and oil is smeared on the bride and then given a traditional bath. The bride wears all of her bridal finery called the Sringar. Her hair tied into a bun and covered the veil. On her head the mukut is placed and pinned to the veil. The bride's wedding dress is usually a red Banarasi sari. A design of the mukut is traced on her face with the chandan paste. The bride sits with the gaach kouto a pot containing a red powder, called sindoor, a silver coin and the kaajal laata for the rest of the ceremony. Both the bride and groom observe a fast on the wedding day till all ceremonies are completed.