Mangala Snanam

Mangala Snanam, also known as the wedding shower, holds significance in Tamil Hindu weddings as a pre-wedding custom. This age-old tradition symbolises the cleansing and preparation of the bride and groom for their union in marriage. It involves applying sandalwood paste and a cleansing bath with holy water. Taking place on the morning of the wedding day Mangala Snanam meaning "holy bath ", involves two ceremonies for the bride and groom at their respective homes, where they are joined by family and close friends. However, modern couples can also organise it together — the more, the merrier! A stage or swing is adorned with marigolds and banana leaves for the bride and groom to sit on. They then partake in rituals led by a priest who recites prayers and bestows blessings upon them. He encourages guests to apply a paste made of turmeric powder, sandalwood, oils, milk and water. Relatives and friends get to join in the fun, putting haldi on the bride and groom’s face and arms — sometimes getting some haldi on themselves too! Turmeric is known for its spiritual properties and its ability to enhance skin radiance naturally. In Tamil weddings groups of women come together in sets of five or seven to anoint the couple with the haldi paste while singing songs. Following this is the application of sandalwood paste known for its cooling properties. The gentle massaging of this paste onto their skin signifies not only physical purification but also spiritual cleansing. This part of the ritual is similar to the North Indian Haldi ceremony. The ceremonial climax involves showering the bride and groom with water from a nearby holy river—a gesture marking an important moment in their journey towards matrimony. The bride and groom are seated on stools as the older women in their family pour water over them from copper or brass containers. They are then bathed in oil, turmeric, and coconut milk. The act of bathing represents washing away all impure thoughts from one’s mind and all negative energy from one's body. To end the ceremony,, the bride and groom are dressed in their wedding garments. The bride usually wears a silk saree, while the groom wears a dhoti. Following this, they seek blessings from family members marking the conclusion of the Mangala Snanam ritual.

Jewellery & Accessories

The bride’s jewellery is simple, understated, and traditional, complementing her elegant ensemble. On her special day, the bride often selects earrings, ranging from gold studs to more intricate jhumkas (dangling earrings). She may also wear a Besari, a gold nose ring embedded with precious stones. This nose stud brings an traditional element to the brides appearance. 

When it comes to necklaces, the bride has a few that she can choose from. The Attigai is a favoured choice. This fitting choker necklace is typically crafted from gold, adding sophistication and tradition to the bride's overall attire.

The bride may also opt for a Maalai or Charam necklace made of simple gold and adorned with pearls and corals. She can also wear a Sangili, a gold chain that enhances the bride's look with subtle elegance. On her wrists, the bride wears bangles made of gold or embellished with floral designs.