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Sumangali Prarthanai
The Sumangali Prarthanai, also known as the Sumangali Pooja, is a sacred pre-wedding custom in Tamil weddings. It involves seeking blessings from the family's female ancestors, who were Sumangalis (married women whose husbands were alive when they passed away). This ritual is carried out to fulfil the wishes of these departed souls, who are believed to shower prosperity, joy, and success upon the family and the to-be-weds. The day of the ceremony is decided based on the nakshatras (star placements) of the individual overseeing the rituals. Before the ceremony, it is common practice to give away food, clothes, and money to charity. Giving alms to the less fortunate or feeding animals are customary actions taken to ensure the success of the pooja. The ceremony is traditionally organised by all members of the family and serves as an occasion for married women to invite other married women from their community or circle of friends. The family tradition, known as Kudumba Sampradayam, holds a role in the Sumangali Prarthanai ceremony. Establishing and strictly following this tradition before proceeding with the ritual is essential. Typically, an odd number of Sumangalis from outside the family are invited to participate in addition to the female members of the household. Since the husbands of the daughters-in-law of the house are alive, they can serve the women guests who have been invited to keep with the tradition that all guests should be Sumangalis. On the day of the Sumangali Pooja, the hosting family finalises a list of participants and visits each guest, giving them turmeric, sesame oil, and shikakai. Participants use these items for an oil bath and preparation before the pooja. Dressed in nine-yard sarees, the women gather at the host family's residence. The ceremony starts with welcoming the guests, washing their feet, and giving them turmeric, kumkum (vermilion), and flowers. During the pooja ceremony, two young girls who have not reached puberty (kanyas) and five or seven Sumangalis are typically called upon. All the women come together and sing prayers and Sumangali songs. The ceremony concludes with a feast tailored to each family’s traditions. Guests are given betel leaves, turmeric, and a piece of silk fabric. Additionally, one of the guests, mostly an elderly woman, is honoured with a full-length silk sari before everyone leaves.
Cultural Significance
The Sumangali Prarthanai ceremony is conducted to seek blessings from women who led long and prosperous lives as Sumangalis before passing away. This ritual is firmly rooted in the belief that these departed souls continue to watch over and bestow blessings upon their descendants for their well-being and prosperity.
Every household has established customs and traditions for the pooja ceremony, including dishes to be prepared and served. Prior to conducting the Sumangali Prarthanai ritual, it is important to identify and adhere to the family’s practices. Depending on how many are present in the home, the number of Sumangalis participating should be odd, such as 3, 5, 7, or 9. If the family doesn’t have enough married women, they invite women from their community.
The pooja starts with lighting a kuthu vilakku (a brass lamp), to pray for blessings from their female ancestors. This ritual is usually performed a few days before the Tamil Nadu wedding ceremony to ensure that the Mangalya (sacred thread) meant for tying around the bride's neck is blessed.
Conducting the Sumangali Pooja is believed to bring several advantages. It is believed to make the wedding process go smoothly and negate any ancestral curses (pitru dosh) that may exist. The tradition is also viewed as a method to increase contentment, joy and wealth while reducing negativity and adversity.
The Sumangali Pooja is also associated with health advantages. It is thought to offer respite from illnesses, challenges, and hazards. Those who participate in this ritual with an honest outlook are believed to be liberated from delusion, emotional ties, and distress and thus create more wellness and balance in their lives.
Fashioning Tradition
The bride wears a Kanchipuram saree, which is known for its grace and importance in Tamilian culture. The historic city of Kanchipuram in India is renowned for its ancient hand-woven silk industry. Supported by the Chola dynasty, this region prospered as a centre for trade and craft, and the Kanchipuram weaves reflect this heritage, character, and allure. These sarees are crafted from mulberry silk thread with materials like silk and zari sourced locally from South India.
Kanchipuram sarees are renowned for their quality and craftsmanship, which has earned them a prestigious reputation. Often likened to Benarsi sarees from North India for their fabric and vibrant gold hues, Kanchipuram sarees are favoured for formal occasions and celebrations. One unique feature of Kanjeevaram silk sarees is the contrast in colours and designs between the body and pallu. These two sections are woven separately before being combined.
They feature motifs such as temple borders, checks, stripes and floral patterns (buttas). The designs on Kanchipuram sarees draw inspiration from images and scriptures found in Indian temples as well as elements of nature like leaves, birds and animals. Some sarees showcase woven mundhi depicting art by Raja Ravi Varma or scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana epics.
The prices of these sarees can vary depending on the intricacy of the design, colours, patterns, and materials, such as zari (gold thread). The use of fabric is evident as the zari is made by twisting three silk threads with silver wire to add weight, resulting in a Kanjeevaram saree weighing up to 2 kilograms.
Traditionally, Kanchipuram silk sarees were crafted in a 9-yard weave. Over time, more practical 6-yard weaves have become popular. The original gold and silver shavings in the fabric have been replaced with metal or copper shavings to maintain their shine while keeping costs down. However, those looking for authenticity should ensure that the zari work is genuine.
The groom normally wears a veshti (dhoti) and angavastram (a shawl cloth). The veshti is often white or cream with a border, symbolising purity and prosperity. The simplicity and grace of the veshti are complemented by the angavastram draped over the shoulder for added formality and elegance. To complete the look, grooms may also wear a silk shirt or kurta.
At Sumangali ceremonies, guests also dress in traditional clothing. Women usually wear coloured silk sarees, while men wear kurtas paired with dhotis or veshtis to create a complete traditional ensemble.
Jewellery & Accessories
Decorated with designs featuring deities, auspicious symbols, and motifs — the wedding jewellery worn by a Tamil bride holds more significance than just being decorative accessories. It serves as a representation of her heritage that spans over centuries.
Among the popular pieces of jewellery is the Mulla Muttu Maalai, a long necklace with a unique spiked pattern. This necklace is often complemented by the Mangala Naan, a pendant necklace with a mango-shaped ornament studded with gemstones. Another notable piece is the Sigappu Kal Attigai, a necklace popular with Gounder Brides. It is a choker-style necklace place at the base of their necks. The bride also wears an Ottiyanam, a crafted waist belt that elegantly accentuates her waistline while embodying tradition.
Within the bride’s collection of jewellery lies an array of items, such as the Kempu Kal Mothiram rings and the Kempu Kal Valai gold bangles.
Image Credits
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