Introduction to Tamil Wedding
A Tamil wedding, known as “Tamil kalyanam,” is a vibrant celebration steeped in rich cultural traditions. These weddings are not just a union of two individuals but a coming together of families, customs, and heritage. From the engagement ceremony to the final reception, every step of a Tamil wedding is filled with meaningful rituals and joyous festivities.
Pre-Wedding Rituals
Nichayathartham: The Engagement Ceremony
The journey of a Tamil wedding begins with the Nichayathartham, or engagement ceremony. This event marks the official announcement of the couple’s intention to marry. During this ceremony, the families exchange gifts, and the bride and groom exchange rings.
Sumangali Prarthanai
This ritual is performed to seek blessings from married women in the family. The bride-to-be offers prayers to these women, known as “sumangalis,” for a happy married life.
Pallikal Thellichal
This pre-wedding ritual involves sprinkling sacred water in the bride and groom’s homes. It’s believed to purify the space and bring positive energy for the upcoming wedding.
Haldi Ceremony
Known as “Manjal Neerattu” in Tamil, this ceremony involves applying turmeric paste to the bride and groom’s skin. It’s believed to bring a glow to their skin and ward off evil spirits.
The Wedding Day
Mangala Snaanam: The Purifying Bath
The wedding day begins with Mangala Snaanam, a purifying bath taken by both the bride and groom in their respective homes. This ritual symbolizes cleansing and preparing for the new phase of life.
Mapillai Varavepu: The Groom’s Arrival
The groom’s arrival at the wedding venue is a grand affair. He is welcomed by the bride’s family with great pomp and ceremony.
Oonjal Ceremony
In this charming ritual, the bride and groom are seated on a decorative swing. As they gently swing, the elders of both families sing songs and shower them with blessings and gifts.
Kashi Yatra
This is a playful ritual where the groom pretends to leave for Kashi (Varanasi) to pursue a life of renunciation. The bride’s father then convinces him to return and marry his daughter.
Kanyadanam
This is a significant ritual where the bride’s father gives away his daughter to the groom. It symbolizes the transfer of responsibility of the bride from her father to her husband.
Muhurtham: The Main Ceremony
The Muhurtham is the main wedding ceremony. It involves several rituals including:
Malaai Matral: The exchange of garlands between the bride and groom
Pada Puja: The bride washes the groom’s feet as a sign of respect
Mangalya Dharanam: The tying of the Thali (sacred thread) around the bride’s neck
Saptapadi: The couple takes seven steps together, each step representing a vow
Post-Wedding Celebrations
Reception
The wedding concludes with a grand reception where the newly married couple is congratulated by friends and family.
Grihapravesham
This ceremony marks the bride’s first entry into her new home. It’s usually performed a day or two after the wedding.
Traditional Attire
Tamil Wedding Koorai Saree
The bride typically wears a beautiful Kanchipuram silk saree, often in vibrant colors like red or green. The saree is adorned with intricate gold zari work.
Groom’s Attire
The groom usually wears a crisp white or off-white dhoti and angavastram (upper cloth). Some modern grooms opt for a sherwani or suit.
Conclusion of Tamil Wedding
A Tamil wedding is a beautiful blend of ancient traditions and modern celebrations. Each ritual carries deep meaning and symbolism, making the entire event a rich cultural experience. Whether you’re planning your own Tamil wedding or attending one as a guest, understanding these customs will surely enhance your appreciation of this beautiful celebration of love and family.
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