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Pelli Koduku & Pelli Kuthuru
Pelli Koduku and Pelli Kuthuru are unique pre-wedding rituals in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. While they have distinct customs, these ceremonies are similar to the Haldi ceremony in North Indian weddings. Pelli Koduku is the groom's haldi ceremony, and Pelli Kuthuru is for the bride. These rituals are important to both families as they mark the beginning of the wedding festivities. The ceremonies are held separately at the homes of the bride and groom. Because of the private setting, the ceremonies are an intimate atmosphere for family and friends to bless the couple. Typically, a ‘pandiri’ (stage) is set up and decorated with banana tree branches, known as ‘arati chettu’. The decor often includes yellow and orange marigold flowers to match the turmeric and sandalwood used in the ceremony. Besides that, the ritual also uses a variety of traditional elements such as Harathi (aarti), Akshinthalu (rice mixed with turmeric or saffron), kumkum, and coconut oil. All these necessary items are arranged aesthetically in traditional pooja thalis. The rituals are accompanied by traditional songs and music, adding to the festive spirit. The ceremony always starts at an auspicious time or ‘Muhurtham’. The elderly women in the family, or ‘pedha muthaidu,’ start the ritual by putting kumkum on the groom's and bride's foreheads. They then apply ‘Nalugu’, a mixture of sandal paste (‘Gandham’), turmeric paste, and coconut oil, to the couple's hands and feet. Guests then follow suit, showering blessings upon the couple. They offer them ‘thambulam’ (betel leaves and nuts) as a token of their good wishes. The bride and groom reciprocate by presenting ‘thambulam’ to each guest, creating a beautiful exchange. During the ceremony, the couple is joined by their unmarried first cousins. The groom's first cousin, ‘Thoti Pellikoduku,’ sits to the left of the groom. Similarly, the bride is accompanied by her first cousin, ‘Thoti Pellikuthuru.’ These cousins actively participate in the ritual and also have sandal and turmeric paste applied to them. After receiving blessings and thambulam, the bride and groom are gifted new clothes. This is typically offered by the couple who started the ritual. Meanwhile, the bride and groom's parents provide new clothes to the ‘Thoti Pellikoduku’ and ‘Thoti Pellikuthuru’ respectively. Then, the bride and groom's sisters perform aarti, accompanied by traditional songs. The bride's family conducts a Satyanarayana Vratam and Tulasi Pooja at their residence. Following the aarti, the bride and groom take a holy shower, known as ‘mangala snanam’. They are bathed in holy water mixed with Tulasi leaves and ‘pasupu’ (turmeric pods). After the holy shower, they wear the clothes that were gifted to them earlier in the ceremony. This is officially their first set of wedding attire. Then, an elderly woman of the family applies ‘kalyana thilakam’ and ‘Dishti Chukka’, two traditional Andhra styles of bindi, to ward off evil spirits. Finally, ‘paarani’ (turmeric mixed with saffron) is applied to their feet, concluding the Pelli Koduku and Kuthuru ceremonies.
Cultural Significance
The Pellikoduku and Pellikuthuru ceremonies hold significant cultural importance in Andhra Pradesh weddings. These rituals symbolise the purification of the bride and groom as they prepare for marriage. Turmeric is a key element in these ceremonies. It is revered across India for its purifying properties and is believed to ward off evil spirits. The application of turmeric paste on the bride and groom's bodies signifies spiritual cleansing.
It also has a practical use as it brightens the skin, giving the body a healthy glow. Turmeric is also shaped into the form of Lord Ganesha by the women in the family. These are offered as a symbol of divine blessings and protection.
The holy shower or ‘mangala snanam’ is another ritual done for the purification of the couple’s mind, body, and soul.
Fashioning Tradition
The traditional attire for the first half of the Pellikoduku and Pellikuthuru ceremonies is often understated. The groom typically dresses in a Lungi, preferably white, worn with a Kanduva (stole) and a white banyan. Modern grooms may opt for a more contemporary option - an elegant cotton kurta and dhoti set. Meanwhile, the bride wears a traditional saree with intricate Mehendi designs on her hands and feet. Modern brides may choose a kurta set, skirt set, or an Indo-western set.
During the ceremony, the turmeric and sandalwood paste is applied to the couple. After this, they take a ceremonial bath and wear the new clothes they have been gifted during the rituals. The groom may wear an embroidered silk kurta and trousers. Or, for a more traditional look, a white or cream-coloured dhoti known as Vesht and a silk angavastram draped across the shoulders. The bride wears a new saree gifted by her family members. The traditional choice is a Kanjeevaram silk saree, known for its effervescent colours, exquisite designs, and elaborate gold borders.
Jewellery & Accessories
Most brides prefer a minimal and sophisticated approach to their jewellery for the Pellikuthuru ceremony. Flowers are often used in the bride's hair. Modern iterations of Pellikuthuru jewellery also incorporated flowers into earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. During the ceremony, the bride receives bangles, which she wears as a symbol of blessings and prosperity.
Image Credits
Wedding Wire | Focuz Studios | Vizag Pelli Poola Jada | Ocean Property | WedMeGood | K4 Fashion | Tupaki English | Wedding Bazaar | Studio 31 | Wedding Photojournalist Association | Dreaming Loud | The Knot | Yahoo News UK | Quora