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What is the average duration of a South Indian wedding? two or three days? A week? No, it occasionally takes longer than a week. Who knows why? You see, our nation is seasoned with a rich culture that holds a variety of lively traditions. Every Indian upholds the principles of their religion, which is why Indian weddings are filled with emotion. You should be aware that Indian weddings have attracted attention on a global scale since they resemble a cultural bank where guests leave their blessings and take vivid memories with them when they depart. If you've been wondering where to start looking into Indian wedding customs, let me tell you that you've found it. For you to comprehend the rituals we celebrate elegantly, we have simplified the content and presented it in a more selected way.

 

Pre-Wedding Rituals

 

1. Nichayathartham

It is tough to pronounce therefore refer to it as an "engagement." Yes, the Ganesh puja, a worship service for Lord Ganapathy without whom, according to Indian belief, one will get the energy to overcome hurdles, is the first step in the pre-wedding ritual. He thus gives the go-ahead to overcome any such barriers over the entire week. Lord Vinayaga is given sweets and savoury foods as part of the rite (i.e lord Ganesh; oh yeah, he is known by 108 names). On the day of Nichayathartham, the bride receives a saree and jewels from the groom's family. When the couples were requested to exchange rings as a symbol of their consent to get married, the ritual became more exciting. You'll hear the term "Lagna Patrika," which refers to an invitation card with a traditional print and a picture of Lord Ganesha on it.

 

2. Pandha Kaal Nadudhal

If we could, we'd try to assist you. No other chance though; you'll need to work on your pronunciation! The internet's preservation of these customs in their original form is, after all, what makes South Indian weddings so beautiful. The families of the bride and groom organise this function in their separate houses a few days or a week before the wedding. A bamboo pole is planted at the entrance to both the bride's and the groom's homes as part of the Pandha Kaal Nadudhal tradition, which serves as an official announcement of the impending marriage to the close ones. Yes, to ward off evil eyes, is another reason why this is practised in South Indian families.

 

3. Haldi

As the name suggests, the haldi ceremony is applying haldi paste to the bodies of the bride and groom in their houses before their wedding day. Is this a pre-wedding routine as well? You're right, of course. Most of the rituals discussed in this article fall under the pre-wedding category, while a few do so under the post-wedding category. In the succession of ceremonies, this one has a bigger significance. The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric aid in the battle against foreign invaders and shield couples from illnesses of this nature. Occasionally, depending on the couple's preferences, songs and dances are performed at this Haldi ceremony.

 

Wedding day Rituals

 

1. Mangala Snanam

In this South Indian tradition, the bride and groom are obliged to take an auspicious bath in their respective houses on the day of the wedding as part of the Mangala Snaanam tradition to get ready to undertake the sacred rites and rituals.

 

2. Pellikuturu or "Making of the Bride,"

In this South Indian wedding ritual, The Mother, sisters, aunts, and close friends surround the bride. The bride's family members assist her with her hair, makeup, bridal sari, and jewellery during this event.

 

3. Ganpati and Gauri Puja

Ganesha, who removes all obstacles, is worshipped to start the South Indian wedding ceremony to keep all hindrances at bay. Ganapati and Gauri Puja Before they depart for the main event, the bride and all of her family members attend a Gauri Puja at her home.

 

4. Nandi Devata Puja

Five Sumangalis, or married women, perform ablution with milk while installing a branch of the pipal tree that is covered in leaves as a form of worship for the Nandi Devatas, or the presiding deities.

 

5.  Navagraha Puja

This Puja is carried out to call upon the nine (Nava) planets (grahas), who control the fate of man.

 

6. Vratham

The bride and the groom each conduct a Vratham at the beginning of the South Indian wedding ceremony. For the bride, this entails the tying of the holy thread, or Kappu, around her wrist to fend off all demons. It represents a figurative version of the bride's protective armour.

 

7. Kashi Yatra

The bride and groom's family become closer through this significant South Indian wedding ritual. In this ritual, the groom pretends to embark on a Kaashi Yatra in which he forgoes worldly pleasures and travels to Varanasi while carrying a bamboo fan, an umbrella, and slippers. The father of the bride stops the groom on the way there and convinces him to take on household duties, promising to offer him his daughter as a friend to confront life's hardships.

 

8. Maalai Maatral

Every South Indian tradition includes the exchange of garlands, which dates back centuries. This custom is rather widespread, whether you live in a city in North or South India.

 

9. Kanyadanam

The pinnacle of devotion to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi is discussed in this South Indian wedding ritual. In this instance, the bride is treated as Lakshmi while the husband assumes the role of Lord Vishnu. The daughter is sitting on her father's lap during this particularly emotional time for the father and daughter. The biggest sacrifice a father can make is this, even though it is not very frequent to see! Here, milk and holy water are poured, and shlokas are read as the father extends his daughter's hand to the groom (Lord Vishnu).

 

10.  MangalyaDharanam

Everyone has been waiting for this special moment during the South Indian wedding ceremony. In front of everyone, the groom skillfully Knots the thali or mangal sutra around the bride's neck. It is one method of uniting two spirits. The pair as they begin their new life together is surrounded by enthusiastic energy.

 

Post-Wedding Ceremony

 

1. Saptapadi

In a South Indian wedding, the saptapadi is known as the post-wedding ceremony, where the couple makes seven pheras around the holy fire to symbolise their seven priceless life vows. The couple's clothes are knotted together at this point and will remain that way until the very finish.

 

2.  Griha Pravesham

The bride formally comes to the groom's home once the South Indian wedding ceremony is over, where she is greeted by the groom's family. The bride enters her new home and kicks a Kalash of rice across the entrance with her right foot. When she joins the family, the rice pours over and falls to the ground, signifying a plethora of wealth.