Wedding Rituals Typical To Kerala Brahmin Weddings

Wedding is one of the most joyous occasions that take place in a Brahmin family in Kerala but when it comes to the rituals of Kerala Matrimonial, there are multiple rituals that are to be followed. Whether it is the family of the bride or groom, both of them pay attention to tradition of the wedding besides the enjoyment that takes place. Following Nakshatra Porutham or the planetary position of the stars in the birth charts of the bride and the groom, the date of the wedding is signalled by the priest. However, the rituals of Brahmin wedding are invigorating indeed.

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1. Wearing the holy thread: This is the occasion which marks the initiation of the wedding and a holy thread is tied around the wrist of the bride in her home which is also called Vratham. The thread provider her with protection and helps her stay away from the evil forces. For the groom, this occasion is celebrated with invocation to the Gods.
2. Reaching the mandap: The families of the bride and groom sort their differences and the groom is invited to the mandap. Before this, the brother of the bride puts a garland on the groom and welcome is done with the help of betel leaves, nuts turmeric and clothes and candies of sugar are distributed to all. After the completion of these rituals, the groom proceeds to the media which is a kind of elevated platform on the mandap in which the rest of the ceremonies are performed.
3. Sanyas or Grihastha: This is an important occasion in Kerala Matrimonial and important for the Brahmins. During this ceremony. The groom pretends to leave for Kashi but when pleaded by the family of the bride decides to return to the mandap which is also called Kashi Yatra. During the entire part, the groom has to wear the panchkotam or traditional attire.
4. Giving away the bride and touching her: The ceremony which is performed in which the bride sits on the lap of her father before she is officially handed over to the groom is also called Kanyadaanam and then a piece of turmeric is tied around the wrist of the groom which gives him the right to touch her and is also known as Kankana Dhaarana.
5. Tying the mangalsutra: The holy occasion is to tie the mangalsutra around the neck of the bride which is carried out at specific hours and the ceremony in which the bride and the groom holds each other’s hand is also called Paani Graharam.
6. Walking seven steps: This occasion is called Saptapadhi in which the bride and groom walk around the fire with seven steps and it is only after this that the wedding is considered complete.
7. Offerings to the fire: there are two parts of the homam that takes place around the fire. While Pradhana Homam is paying homage to the Agni, the Laja Homam is offering puffed grains to the fire which is given to the bride by her brother.

After the completion of these ceremonies, the Brahmin bride and groom prepares to leave the house of the bride for Grihapravesham which begins a new chapter in their lives.

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