Excited to know all about the marriage rituals in Kerala matrimony? Well, the article will help you stay updated about every Shaadi tradition in Kerala. Keep reading to find out!
Kerala indeed is ‘God’s own country’. Apart from the heavenly backdrop and scenic beauty, the town is also known for its vivid rich traditions. Everything from childbirth to marriages are celebrated with great fun and enthusiasm. However, Kerala matrimony traditions do not encourage pompousness and lengthy rituals. Their peaceful divinity will never fail to win your heart. The swaying palm trees, expansive beaches, serene backwaters, lush farms, and myriad cultures perfectly set the tone for happily ever after. So, there is a series of events and rituals in Kerala matrimony. Read further to know about it all!
Let’s begin with understanding the pre-wedding rituals in Kerala Matrimony!
Pre-wedding Rituals
- Muhurtham
The first pre-wedding ritual starts with Kundali matching. A professional astrologer is called and both families unite in a single place to understand the compatibility between bride and groom. The match is considered fit if more than 18 Gunas are matched in their Kundalis. If not, the astrologer suggests solutions to remove the Doshas from the match.
- Nishchayam
The next step is to finalize the date for the Kerala matrimony wedding. However, the marriage date is almost decided on Muhurtham. But both families make the official announcement of the date to their relatives for the first time.
- Aashirwadam
Aashirwadam is one of the crucial Kerala matrimony rituals where both families and couples unite at a place and seek blessings from their elders for a happy nuptial journey. Usually, the close friends and relatives of both the families are also present in the ceremony. The Kerala bride looks the most stunning in her beautiful silk saree and limited ornaments.
- Mehendi Ceremony
The Mehendi ceremony is no different than what other states have in their Mehendi functions. However, the only difference is that the Kerala bride’s aunt initiates the ritual by drawing designs on the bride’s palm. Later the Mehendi artist takes the charge and draws beautiful intricate designs on the hands and the feet of the bride.
Kerala Matrimony Wedding Rituals
These rituals begin on the wedding day in the morning. Both Kerala bride and groom have some rituals at their place and some at the wedding venue. Below given are the details.
- Kudivep
Kudivep is performed in the maternal home of the Kerala bride. However, most families agree to perform it in temple or at the wedding venue itself to avoid the rush.
- Dakshina Kodukkal
Dakshina Kodukkal is a beautiful ritual where the bride and the groom seek blessing from their elders just before approaching the wedding venue. The elders give them Dakshina in the form of blessings.
The Kerala Matrimony Wedding!
The wedding ritual starts with welcoming of the groom’s barat by the Kerala bride’s family. Afterward, the brother of the bride washes the groom’s feet and accompanies him to the Mandap. The brides sisters and friends then brings her to the Mandap with the melodious nadaswaram music in the background. Once the couples is seated comfortable, pandit begin the marriage rituals by chnating mantras. Thereafter, the couple takes pheras and the groom ties mangalsutra on the bride’s neck.
Pudamuri
Pudamuri is a moment where the groom gifts his wife a beautiful silk saree as gesture of welcoming her in his life. This gesture further states that he will take care of her and cherish her forever in his life.
Kanyadaan
Kanyadaan is the most important and emotional moment in Kerala matrimonial. This ritual is symbolic of the bride’s father giving away his daughter and her responsibilities to the groom. In return, groom pomises to look after the with love and understanding bride and provide for her throughout his life.
Sadhya
Sadhya is a typical Kerala marraige dish consisting of 25 dishes served in banana leaves. It is a kind of kerala wedding party which takes place justafter the wedding to serve the guests.
So, this is all about the Kerala matrimony rituals that are usually performed in Kerala weddings. However, the rituals might differ according to Hindu, christian or Muslim marriages in Kerala. Some of the post wedding rituals are Griha Pravesh, reception, etc.
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