Wedding

The Tamil wedding ceremony is deeply rooted in tradition that brings together various customs and rituals, each holding significant cultural importance. It all begins with the groom's arrival at the bride’s home or the wedding venue, where he is warmly received by her family. This moment marks the commencement of a series of rituals that bind the couple in holy matrimony. As the groom arrives, the bride's family welcomes him and his family at the entrance. The bride's brother, known as Tholan, washes the groom's feet as a gesture of acceptance and hospitality. This act shows the family's respect and approval of the groom. Next comes the Aalathi ritual performed by two women close to the couple. They circle a tray of light around him to dispel energies and ensure a harmonious beginning to their marriage. The ceremony then moves on to the Ganesha ritual, where the priest purifies the wedding venue with water while chanting sacred mantras. Seeking blessings from Lord Ganesha, who removes obstacles for a joyous wedding ceremony. The groom receives a grass ring representing purity of mind and a saffron bracelet for protection. Following these rituals is a fertility tradition in which three married women plant nine different grains in a pot filled with milk, symbolising their wishes for the couple's fruitful and joyful married life. When the groom steps onto the wedding stage, the bride's parents conduct the Pada Puja by washing his feet with a mixture of water, kumkum, milk, and sandalwood. This gesture signifies the groom's purity and readiness to embark on life. Subsequently, the bride performs the Gauri Puja, offering prayers to Goddess Gauri for virtues, fertility, and marital bliss. The bride's arrival is a beautiful moment as she walks towards the mandap along with her family The priest leads a ceremony for her initiation, followed by their involvement in the Shiva Parvathi. This ritual symbolises the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi and reflects the couple’s determination to overcome challenges on their path towards marital happiness. Adding a light touch to the proceedings is an amusing symbolic act known as the Kashi Yatra. Here, the groom theatrically declares his intent to embark on a journey to Kashi, only to be persuaded back by promises of a joyous marriage from the bride’s family. This is followed by the Navagraha ritual, which is performed to seek blessings from the nine planets, aiming to ward off evil influences and bring good fortune to the couple. During the Maalai Maatral ritual, the couple exchanges garlands thrice, symbolising their acceptance and love. This gesture of exchanging flowers signifies their commitment and the sacred union they are about to enter. Following this is the Oonjal ceremony, where the couple sits on a decorated swing. At the same time, family members sing songs and offer their blessings, symbolising the importance of balance and harmony in marriage. A touching moment arises during the Kanyadanam or Kanya Thaanam ceremony, where the bride’s parents give her hand in marriage to the groom symbolising the union of two families. The bride sits on her father’s lap, holding a coconut, which is then passed on to the groom along with water sprinkled over it. This act represents parents entrusting their daughter into her husband’s care. The Thali ceremony takes place during the wedding. The groom ties a sacred gold necklace known as Thali around the bride's neck. This ritual signifies a bond blessed by music from drums and pipes while guests shower flower petals and rice grains on them. The Saptapadi ritual involves the couple taking seven steps around the fire, each step symbolising a vow they make to each other as they embark on their journey together as husband and wife. Following this, the ceremony concludes with the couple receiving blessings from their loved ones. The Aalathi ritual is performed more by married women and the couple is showered with rice and presented with wedding gifts. Post -wedding customs include a reception and the Grihapravesham, where the bride is welcomed into her husband’s home marking the start of their new life together.

Jewellery & Accessories

The bride embellishes herself with an array of temple jewellery pieces that carry deep cultural and religious meanings. She often styles her hair in a bun or a long braid, embellishing it with an abundance of flowers and a Jadanagam, a hairpiece made of gold and colourful flowers. 

On either side of the bride's hair parting, she wears the Suryapirai and Chandrapirai — two decorative jewels shaped like the sun and moon respectively. These adornments are studded with gemstones and represent balance and harmony in the bride's life. The Mookku Va?aiyam, a nose ring adorned with precious gems or pearls and adds a delicate touch to her overall look.

For her ears, the bride dons Mattal Jimikki, an ornament featuring ear chains or extensions. Typically designed with floral patterns and dangling gold beads that sway gracefully with her movements, adding an element of gracefulness and tradition. Additionally, the Ungila is a V-shaped gold ring resembling a small vanki sometimes embellished with diamonds for a unique and stylish accent to her jewellery collection. She’ll also wear a set of gold bangles mixed with colourful glass bangles on her wrists.