|
 Pre
Wedding Ceremony
A traditional Hindu Kerala wedding
starts with exchanging and matching of horoscopes by
the parents of the boy and the girl. "Muhurtham"
or the auspicious date of the marriage is then finalized
in consultation with the astrologers. The day before
the wedding, a traditional dinner is served to the bride
at the bride's residence. She is seated facing the east,
and has a traditional five-course vegetarian meal with
her family.
 Wedding
Ceremony
The Groom arrives at the bride's
house in a traditional "dhoti" and "angavastram".
He is seated in a northwestern room where the bride's
father washes the groom's feet and welcomes him. The
groom then gives him the off white sari that has to
be worn by the bride for the nuptials. The "Veli"
or the nuptial ceremony is performed around the "agni"
(fire). The bride and the groom circle the sacred fire
thrice, after which the bride's father ties the "Taali",
which is strung on a yellow thread around the neck of
the bride. Thereafter the bride's father gives her hand
to the groom in a ceremony called "Kanyadaanam".
After the Kanyadaanam, "Sparsham"
takes place wherein the groom sits in front of the bride
and tilts his head backwards, to touch her forehead.
After this the girl offers "Laja"
(puffed rice) to the fire to the chant of various mantras.
Her palms are placed in her husband's hands and she
performs the "hom". After this,
the groom lifts the bride's foot and places it on the
"Ammi" (grinding stone) signifying
breaking of her ties from her old family. The groom
then moves the bride's foot forward seven times with
his hand symbolizing her entry into his family.
Post Wedding Ceremony
After the wedding a feast
is arranged and thereafter the bride leaves for her
husband's home. "Grihapravesh"
ceremony is performed at her new home to welcome her
arrival.
|
