Kerala is known for its culture, natural beauty, and super-amazing weddings. In god’s own country, the marriages are the perfect mix of traditional rituals and unconventional ceremonies. Cherishing monsoon season is the favorite season for getting married. If you are about to wed in that beautiful Indian state, here are the most important rituals and processes you need to know about the Kerala matrimony.
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Muhurtam
Like all traditional Hindu Marriages, the horoscopes of to-be groom and bride are exchanged by their families. This event is named as Nakshatra Purutham. If the horoscopes matched, the astrologer fixes a propitious date for the marriage to be held.
Nischayam
The traditional engagement ceremony in a Kerala wedding begins with the boy’s family, receiving the girl’s Horoscope. The Horoscope is handed over by bride’s maternal uncle (facing west) to groom’s father (facing east) while standing in front of a Nilavilakku with at least 6 cotton wicks lighted. Nilavilakku, a part of Kerala matrimony, is a traditional bell-metal-made lamp, which holds Nirapara (filled with paddy) with decorated coconut, betel leave, burning incense sticks and areca nut.
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The ring exchange ceremony, called Mothiram Maral, is carried out for the successful completion of the event.
After Nischayam, The bride appears in beautiful silk saree and in gold jewelry and dines with her elders while facing to the east. A very similar function is held at the groom’s house.
Valayidal
It may be fixed on the same day of Nischayam in Kerala matrimony sequence. The groom’s mother hands over one or two bangles in bride’s hands.
Mehendi
After all prenuptial blessings and sangeet, Mehendi ceremony is held at to-be-bride’s house when Mehendi is applied on her hands by the elderly aunts.
Dakshina Kodukkal
The Kerala weddings begin with the presentation of Dakshina by both, the bride and bridegroom to receive the blessings of their elders.
After touching feet of elders, the marriage rituals begin. Both families, with their groups, leave the houses and reach the wedding venue.
Marriage Ceremony and Kanyadaan
Kerala marriages are mostly simple, brief and elegant but gold-loaded. The most preferred place for marriage is the nearest or suitable holy temple. The crust of ethnicity is well-reflected from their wedding customs.
The Kalyana Mandapa is decorated and prepared in a beautiful way. The sacred arrangements are done according to the Kerala matrimony and Hindu rituals.
The groom arrives in a traditional Dhoti and Angavastram while bride wears a beautiful wedding Saree on their wedding day. Once welcomed, the customs are performed around the Agni (fire) like other Hindu marriages. Tying of Mangalasutra (Thallikettu), application of sindoor, chanting of Vedic mantras and other such events complete the wedding ceremony. The girl is made to sit on a wooden plank, carrying Deepam (Diyas) during the ceremony.
Finally, the father of girl gifts the clothes and drinks sweet milk which is the main part of Kerala matrimony, representing the girl is given to the groom.
Pudamuri
The bridegroom gifts a saree and a blouse to the bride, conveying the message that they have accepted her responsibilities from now. Couple exchanges the garlands declaring they are life partners from now.
Grihapravesh
Bride proceeds to the groom’s house where she is received cheerfully and welcomed in a traditional way by her new family members.
These were the main events of Kerala matrimonial wedding ceremonies, carries out in an enjoyable environment. You know them all very well now. So, do not forget to celebrate them all in a very special manner on your big day!