India is a land of diversity. Every state you visit, you can see the different in culture, language, lifestyle, attire, tradition, etc. Its unique tradition is what makes India stand out in the world. The same goes on for wedding. I’m sure that you must have heard a lot of things when it comes to Indian weddings. Right from a grand North Indian wedding to a traditional West Indian wedding, every event has a lot to display. In this article, we will be focusing more on the South Indian Wedding Rituals. Surely, you must have watched some glimpse of it in some renowned movie, let’s read more about it.
Now, South India has several cities and districts to cover and with every distance you travel towards a different state, the tradition changes. Let’s take a cultural tour here.
I remember my first visit to a south Indian wedding. For me, the best part was the simple yet traditional wedding that I got to witness. Mostly you will see the brides dress in a beautiful Pattu saree. The sarees will reflect both the tradition, culture with modern twist.
I remember my first visit to a south Indian wedding. For me, the best part was the simple yet traditional wedding that I got to witness. Mostly you will see the brides dress in a beautiful Pattu saree. The sarees will reflect both the tradition, culture with modern twist.
If you have been to a south Indian wedding before, I’m sure you must have seen a full-grown plantain trees tied to the gate when you enter the venue. To complete this, you will also have a glimpse of a beautiful Rangoli designs on the doorsteps and notes of various instruments being played.
For the main wedding ceremony which takes place at the marriage hall, the father of the groom and the bride will sit facing each other along with the priest offering prayers to their ancestors and deities/gods they believe in. Along with them, friends, guest and relatives will also be taking part in this auspicious event.
Post this, the bride and grooms are lifted by their uncles where they exchange their garlands.
Next comes Kandyadaan. Here, the bride sits on the lap of her father and then given away to the groom. A ring made with Kusa (also known as purification ring) is placed on the bride’s head along with the MangalSutra over it. Then, water is poured on it. This symbolizes the beginning of the new journey for the bride.
Then, the sister-in-law of the bride drapes a Koorai Saree around the new bride. Three knots are then tied, the first one by the groom and the remaining two by the sister-in-law as a tradition to welcome her as a part of their family.
Like other Indian wedding rituals from various states, here too Phera’s are taken. In this case, after the knots are tied, the groom takes the hand of the bride and walks 7 steps around the fire.
Agni Phera is one of the most important ritual in Hindu weddings. This completes the wedding. This is a very essential part where both the bride and the groom honors Agni Devata (god of fire). Then, the groom assists the bride tread on a grindstone holding the bride’s left foot toe.
As an approval, the elders and the invitees shower the newly weds with Akshadai or rice-grains coated with turmeric and saffron.
The evening of the marriage day is the time to enjoy and celebrate the auspicious journey that both the bride and the groom have set their path on.
Though divided by culture, all Hindu weddings have something common in it. Be it a Telegu Wedding or a Kannadiga wedding, you can see a lot of similarities. Even if you travel north or east of the country, you can relate. However, every culture has it own beauty than can only be enjoyed thoroughly once you become a part of the wedding.
Pictures source: Google