Tamil Wedding Rituals

The Tamilians believe in a simple living and their wedding ceremony reflects the same. The whole process is completed within two days in presence of family and friends from nearby as well as distant places. The customs are usually held in the first half of the year from the month of February to June as the other months are considered inauspicious. They without playing instruments like Naathaswaram and the Melam are incomplete. The traditions start from Karappu, Sumangali Prarthanai, Kalyanapillai, Nandi Devata Pooja, Navgraha Pooja and Vritham and many more.

The event starts with 'Mangalasnanam' where both the partners are asked for a ceremonial bathing. The bathing is done at an auspicious hour early in the morning along with an aarti performed by the ladies of the house. The couple is presented with new clothes and sends to their respective homes for getting dressed for the special occasions. Gauri Pooja is a prayer performed by the bride privately to Gauriamma. Kaasi Yatra is an interesting part of such wedding.

In this tradition, the groom pretends to leave for a pilgrimage stating that he is not interested in becoming a householder. The bride's father request and convince him for taking the responsibilities and is taken to the venue. On his return, the bride's mother washes his feet and calls the daughter who is accompanied with her maternal uncle. The couple then moves to the place where they exchange the garlands for three times. After this, balls of cooked rice are thrown in every direction to keep away the evil spirits.

Kanyadaan is held after this event. The corner of the bride's sari is tied with grooms' shawl and both are taken to the mandap. The bride's father washes the feet of the groom on their arrival. Bride sits on the lap of her father and offers a coconut to the groom. This signifies the acceptance of the bride by the groom. She is presented with a sari from groom's parents. The bride then sits in the lap of her father on the heap of paddy signifying to welcome prosperity. The groom ties the mangalsutra and they take seven rounds around the fire which marks the end of the ceremony.

This auspicious occasion is accomplished in the simplest way with the Tamilian culture. Once the event ends, the family of the groom perform various practices in the form of warm welcome of the bride, exchange of gifts and reception.