Vrutham

The Vrutham ceremony is one of the many pre-wedding rituals in Tamil Hindu weddings. It is performed by several Tamil communities and is especially meaningful for Tamil Brahmins. This ceremony symbolises the transition of the bride and groom from their single life to married life. In Vedic terminology, they are shifting from the Bhramacharya phase to the Grihasti phase of their life. During this ritual, a yellow thread dipped in turmeric is tied around the wrists of the person getting married as a talisman. It signifies their dedication to each other and their new roles as husband and wife. Often carried out separately by the bride and groom in their homes, the Vrutham ceremony happens in the company of close family members only. The bride receives a thread called Charadu, which is believed to shield her from negative energies. Her ceremony stands with her aunt giving her oil for a bath and sweets to be eaten afterwards; these stand for purity and a fresh beginning. Similarly, the groom also takes a bath, followed by prayers to deities like Indra, Chandra, Soorya and Agni. This act of devotion reflects his readiness to embrace life after transitioning from bachelorhood. In the past, it was customary for the groom to seek permission from his guru (teacher) before marriage, but nowadays, he typically seeks this approval from his father. Following prayers, the groom is prepared to embrace the worldly responsibilities of life in the Grihastha phase. A key element of the Vrutham ritual is fasting, known as viratham, which is observed to receive blessings from elders and ancestors. This fasting tradition is believed to attract blessings and ensure a harmonious start to the marriage journey. Post Vrutham, both the bride and groom can break their fast with sweets. The Pallikai Thellichal ceremony is often held alongside the Vrutham. Pallikai involves filling clay pots with nine types of grains called navadhanyas. These grains correspond to nine cosmic influences and are left to sprout in the pots. Unmarried Hindu Brahmin Iyengar girls are invited to empty these pots into a nearby water body, symbolising wishes for a fruitful and prosperous marriage. The Vrutham ritual is meticulously carried out in a designated space, with a priest conducting the prayers and hymns. The priest narrates the story of Satyanarayana Vratha Katha, which speaks about the significance of the Vrutham to the guests. The event ends with the family offering Dakshina (a gift) to the priest, signalling the end of the Vrutham.

Jewellery & Accessories

Each piece of jewellery worn by the bride is carefully selected to signify aspects of married life and divine blessings. During simpler ceremonies like Vrutham, her jewellery can be less ostentatious, but it still carries deep cultural and symbolic meanings.

The bride's attire during the Vrutham ceremony exudes elegance and tradition. She typically wears a silk saree in styles like Kanchipuram or soft silk draped in the Madisar style. Her jewellery complements her outfit beautifully, adding to her graceful look. 

A standout piece in her jewellery collection is the Sigappu Kal Attigai, a choker necklace with layered designs. The necklace is typically worn at the base of the bride’s neck. Its delicate design makes it a stunning accessory that works well for a pre-wedding ritual. 

Another timeless piece is the Kasu Malai, a necklace adorned with coins featuring auspicious symbols, most commonly depicting Goddess Lakshmi. This necklace symbolises prosperity and opulence, making it a popular choice for Tamil bridal jewelry. The coins on the Kasu Malai are often arranged to overlap, creating a captivating visual impact.