Decoding Tamil Wedding: The traditions and the rituals in all its fervour

Tamil culture is known for its fondness for simplicity however if you get to witness a Tamil wedding you can see the enthusiasm of both families making this event grand and vivacious.

A classic Tamil wedding runs on rooted rituals performed by families of the Bride and the Groom. In other cultures, weddings are a grand affair and people spend a lot making it memorable, but in Tami Weddings, a lot of age-old rituals are meticulously performed which makes it unforgettable.

Traditional Tamil weddings usually happen during the daytime. As per the Tamil calendar, weddings don’t fall in the months of Chithirai and Thai. Stay tuned as we decode some of the major Tamil wedding rituals.

Panda Kaal Muhurtham

This tradition is usually conducted before the single-digit odd number days before the wedding. Both the bride and groom’s families come together to pray to the Almighty and ensure a smooth and happy wedding.

Mehendi

Traditionally, the Mehendi ceremony will be held before the night of the wedding day. Hence, it’s a form of wishing the bride good health and prosperity as she begins her journey on to the wedding.

On the wedding day

The wedding ceremony begins in the morning. Married women from both bride and groom sides make a paste of turmeric, kumkum, and sandalwood. Finally, oil is applied to the bride/groom’s hair, face, hands, and feet.

Groom welcome

The bride’s family members bring gifts, propitious items, and a ring placed on a huge plate for the bridegroom. The bridegroom is then accompanied to a temple for a prayer before continuing to the wedding venue. The bridegroom’s mother also carries gifts for the bride, along with the propitious ‘thali’.

Muhurtham

The bride changes into a nine yards saree and comes back with a grass ring on her head, and a reed grass belt across her waist. The groom then ties the Thaali around the bride’s neck, and the groom’s sister tightens the knot.

Maruvidu Varudal

Three days later, the newly wedded couple hits the bride’s parental home and is treated with a sumptuous feast. The bride’s parents give jewels to the newly wedded couple as a parting gift. And with this, all ceremonies come to a beautiful yet emotional end.