Sacred rituals, bright silk, gold jewellery, smell of Jasmine, harmonious sound of chants, this is what South Indian Wedding is made of. They are grand spectacle of culture, tradition and festivities. As India is a land of diversity, wedding customs and rituals also change with each kilometre. The ceremonies that take part in South Indian Wedding Rituals, largely differs from North India. They are mostly influenced by their history of kingdoms like Chola dynasty, Pandya dynasty etc.

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This blog will explore various aspect of a South Indian Wedding Rituals including their traditions, attires, food etc.

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South Indian Wedding Rituals & Traditions

South Indian Wedding Rituals are deeply spiritual and conducted with great reverence. Their rituals are designed to purify the couple and prepare them for lifetime of happiness and prosperity. The religion associated with people of south, has also played a crucial role in how weddings are performed there. Their traditions are deeply rooted with culture and spirituality. Here we have described all the popular rituals that are performed in a South Indian Wedding.

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Panda kaal Muhurtham

It is the very first ritual of a south Indian wedding, which is performed 3 days prior to the wedding day and in some regions on the same wedding day. During this ritual a bamboo pole is put up in the front of a house, where the wedding is going to take place. The reason behind it, is to ward off any kind of evil spirit or negative energy that comes near the house, and to protect the bride and groom. Both of the families pray to their family deity god or goddess and seek their blessing for the auspicious day.

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Nischay Tamulam

It is the engagement ceremony and a formal announcement of the marriage. During this South Indian Wedding Ritual, gifts are exchanged between the two families. The groom offers silk sarees, betel leaves and nuts, coconut and sweets in exchange of dhoti and sweets in a decorated plate called as tamulam. It is the time when two families meet and build bond with each other.

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Also Checkout: South Weddings Ideas

Pelli Kuthuru

It is the haldi ceremony in a south Indian wedding. it is purification ceremony for both bride and groom. During this ritual, Thoti Pellikoduku - the first paternal cousin accompany the groom. The elder person of the family, applies sandal paste, tumeric paste, kumkuma tilak on groom’s forehead and apply coconut on his head.

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Mangala Sanam

This ritual is to make the bride and groom ready for the wedding. It is a holy bath with tumeric water for the purification of both bride and groom. And after the holy bath, both bride and groom adorns the new set of wedding clothes. It is believed that it washes away all the impurities and negativity.

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Also Checkout:  Mangala Snanam Pictures

Gauri Puja

Gauri is another form of Maa Parvathi and she is the goddess of purity and virtue. A bride perform the Gauri puja and seek the blessing of Maa Gauri for prosperity in her new married life.

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Madhuparkam

During this ceremony, when the groom arrives at the mandap his feets are washed by bride’s father as it reflects welcoming the groom to the family. The groom gifts a silk saree to bride’s father, which the bride has to wear for the ceremony.

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Kashi Yatra

During this ritual, the groom creates an act in which express his desire to renounce the world and materialistic life and go to kashi to gain wisdom. He carries a bamboo umbrella, walking stick with him on his journey and bride’s father try to convince the groom and stops him from going to kashi yatra.

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Kanyadannam

During this ritual, bride’s father place her hand on groom’s hand signifying that the father of bride wholeheartedly accepts this relationship and marriage. The responsibility and well being of the bride are now groom’s duties.

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Thalikettu

In this ceremony, a groom ties thaali - sacred pendant or mangalsutra round the bride’s neck. It symbolize the union of two souls and two families.

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Saptapadi

During this ceremony, a couple circles the holy fire seven times, and their attire is tied together to show the union of their two souls. The seven times couple circle around the holy fire indicates the seven promises made to each other for a happy married life.

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Blessings

After all the rituals are completed, the bride and the groom takes the blessing of their parents and elderly family members.

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South Indian Wedding Dress

South Indian wedding is a visual feast with bride and groom dressed up in a traditional attire. Their wedding dress is much more beautiful as it is shown in movies.

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South Indian Bridal look

South Indian brides generally wear a silk kanjeevaram saree of vibrant colors like green, red, gold etc. They wear fabrics which are rich in designs and textures. Bride adorn it with south Indian makeup heavy gold temple jewellery which includes bangles, necklaces etc.

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Checkout: South Indian Bridal Hairstyles

Groom’s attire

The groom traditionally wears a light-colored dhoti paired with a matching shirt. In some regions, he also wears a 'Pheta. They pair it with minimal accessories like watch or some bracelet.

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South Indian Wedding Rituals are amalgamation of rich heritage, traditions and culture. Though these weddings have intense rituals, you can still have fun in few rituals like Kashi yatra and Mehndi. Whether you are planning to have or attend a south Indian wedding, the above information is gonna help you a lot in understanding their traditions. From wedding festivities to grand feasts, a South Indian wedding creates an everlasting impact on everyone.

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Also Checkout: South Indian Wedding Food Menu

For more information about wedding traditions and fashion, visit Shaadidukaan. Check our vendor list to book decorators, venues and caterers for your wedding.