Wedding

Karnataka weddings include a series of elaborate ceremonies, made up of specific rites, as set down in the Hindu holy scriptures. The functions are hosted at the bride and groom’s homes, temples, or wedding venues. Be it the bride’s green bangles or the pooja items, each aspect of the wedding is carefully thought out and holds deep meaning. Religion plays an important role in the customs, and the wedding is conducted by the family priest. The wedding day begins with the Dev Karya ceremony, where the groom visits a nearby temple before heading to the wedding. He seeks the blessings of his family deity, praying for a smooth wedding and married life. Traditionally, the bride's family pays for all the expenses as they host the wedding. However, in modern weddings, expenses are borne by both families. The groom arrives at the venue and is welcomed by five married women from the bride’s side who perform aarti and offer presents. The bride’s father then escorts him to the mandap. The mandap is the wedding stage which is often decorated with draped silks, banana leaves, and jasmine flowers. The priest starts the wedding rites with the Var Pooja. In Karnataka customs, the groom is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The Var Pooja is a way to honour that belief, so the bride's father washes the groom's feet and presents him with ceremonial clothes. Following this, the priest carries out the Mandap Pooja, which purifies the wedding stage, where all the rites will be conducted. This creates an atmosphere of auspiciousness, setting the tone for the remaining ceremonies. While the bride is yet to arrive at the Mandap, the groom performs the Kaashi Yaatre ritual. In this playful custom, the groom carrying a decorative umbrella threatens to go on a pilgrimage to Kashi (Varanasi), give up all worldly pleasures, and forgo the marriage. The bride’s father then convinces him to stay and marry his daughter. This pretend skit adds a light-hearted touch to the wedding, much to the enjoyment of the guests. Once the groom is back in the Mandap, the bride has her grand entrance. In some Konkani customs, the bride is carried to the Mandap by her maternal uncle. This custom probably has its origins in times of child marriage when brides were young enough to be lifted in one’s arms. In modern times, the uncle can simply be the one to walk the bride to the wedding stage. The bride has her face veiled with a fan of peacock feathers, hiding her from the groom’s view. There’s also a piece of cloth held by family members separating the two until certain prayers have been performed. During the Jaimala ceremony, the cloth is removed and the bride and groom can finally see each other on the wedding day. They then exchange flower garlands, which is followed by the Dhareyeruna ceremony. This is an emotional moment where the bride’s parents give her away to the groom. They pour holy water over the couple’s hands and bless them. The couple exchanges rings, and the groom ties the Mangalsutra on the bride’s neck with the help of five married women from her family. The couple then take seven circles around the sacred fire in the Saptapadi ceremony. Each step represents a different vow to care for each other through seven lifetimes. After this ceremony, they are officially married! Up till this point, the bride’s family priest was performing the rituals. Now that they are married groom’s family priest takes over. In some weddings, the couple carry out the Arundhati Nakshatra ceremony, where they step outside to look for a specific star that will be a sign of a happy married life. Otherwise, while the couple is at the Mandap, the elders of the family shower them with blessings in a custom called Sese Padunu. In the Neer Maipunu ritual, the couple shares tender coconut water as a symbol of sharing their lives together. In Ponnu Vocchidu Korpunu, the bride is embraced by the groom’s family and gifted sarees and jewellery. Some communities also have a name-changing ceremony, where the husband gives his wife a new name by writing it on a plate of rice. On a more fun note, the couple plays the Okhli game, where the groom’s ring is dropped into a pot of milk or coloured water. The couple must try looking for the ring; the first one to find it wins the game! Lastly, the bride bids an emotional farewell to her family in the Vidaai ceremony. Once they reach the couple’s new home, they are welcomed with the Griha Pravesh ceremony. In this, the brides gently kicks a lota (vessel) filled with rice as she steps over the threshold. This is both a welcome into the family and a step toward good fortune for the couple.

Jewellery & Accessories

Jewellery is an essential and meaningful part of a bride’s look in Karnataka. The traditional choice is gold jewellery, including necklaces, earrings, bangles, maang tikka, matha patti, and rings. The style of jewellery represents her heritage, with specific communities favouring certain pieces. Many ornaments carry deep meaning and significance in the motifs, adding cultural depth to the wedding look. 

Traditional temple jewellery often features depictions of deities, temple architecture, and religious symbols. One popular motif is the Goddess Lakshmi, symbolising fertility, fortune, and prosperity. Many brides wear the Lakshmi Sara necklace, with small gold coins engraved with the goddess’ image strung on a gold chain. 

In the Kannadiga community, the bride wears the Netri Chutti or a special Maang Tika on the forehead. She is also seen with Muthina Vale Jhimki, which are beautiful earrings studded with rubies, pearls, or diamonds. 

Another staple piece of jewellery is the Entele Sara, a layered chain made of gold beads. The Mavinakayi Addigai is a necklace adorned with mango-shaped gold motifs, green and red stones, and pearls. This piece is similar to the Manga Mala found in Kerala. A bridal must-have is the Navilu Daabu, a waist ornament adorned with traditional temple designs and red stones.