Tamil weddings are a beautiful and elaborate celebration of love and union between two people. The ceremonies are in rich tradition and symbolism, and many unique rituals are there on a Tamil wedding day.
Panda Kaal Muhurtam
One of the most unique traditions in a Tamil wedding is the Panda Kaal Muhurtam. This ritual takes place a few days before the wedding and marks the beginning of the wedding festivities. The wedding party will plant a bamboo pole in the ground outside the bride’s and groom’s homes. After that, they will decorate the pole with banana leaves, flowers, and other auspicious items. This ritual is to bring good luck and blessings to the couple.
Mangal Snaanam
On the morning of the wedding, the bride and groom both undergo a ritual bath called Mangal Snaanam. Using holy water made of turmeric, and sandalwood paste, they will give a bath to the couple. It is to cleanse the couple and prepare them for the sacred wedding ceremony.
Varana Maalai
The Varana Maalai ceremony is a playful ritual where the bride and groom exchange garlands three times. The couple tries to prevent the other person from putting the garland on them with their friends and family’s help. This ritual is to symbolise the couple’s playful side and their willingness to compromise in their marriage.
Oonjal
The Oonjal ceremony is a heartwarming ritual where the bride and groom are seated on a swing and rocked gently. The women of the family surround the couple and sing traditional songs. This ritual is to symbolize the couple’s journey together through life. It is also a time for the families to come together and celebrate the new union.
Kanyadaan
The Kanyadaan is the most sacred and fun-filled ritual in a Tamil wedding. It is the moment when the bride’s father gives her away to the groom. This is a symbol of the father’s blessing and his trust in the groom to take care of the bride.
Thaali
The Thaali ceremony is another important ritual in a Tamil wedding. It is the moment when the groom ties the Thaali, a sacred thread or necklace, around the bride’s neck. The Thaali is a symbol of the bride’s marital status and her commitment to her husband.
Saptapadi
The Saptapadi is the final ritual in a Tamil wedding. It is the moment when the bride and groom take seven sacred rounds of the holy fire. Each round represents a different vow that the couple makes to each other. After the Saptapadi, the couple will become husband and wife.
Nalangu Gavi
This ritual takes place on the evening of the wedding day. It involves the bride and groom walking around the holy fire four times. Each time, they stop and face each other, and the groom applies a Kumkumam to the bride’s forehead. This ritual is to ward off evil spirits and bless the couple with a happy and prosperous marriage.
Paanigrahanam
This ritual takes place during the Saptapadi ceremony and involves the groom holding the bride’s right hand. This symbolizes the couple’s union and their commitment to each other.
Saptha Rishi Ashirvadam
This ritual takes place after the Saptapadi ceremony and involves the couple seeking the blessings of the seven sages. The seven sages are the custodians of the universe. It is a belief that their blessings will bring auspiciousness to the couple.
In addition to the rituals listed above, many other unique traditions are there on a Tamil wedding day. For example, the bride and groom may be presented with gifts, such as gold jewellery, saris, and dhotis. The elders will bless them for a long and happy life together and good health.
Another unique tradition is the tying of the Thaali. Usually, the groom’s sister ties Thali, but in some cases, it can also be a close friend or family member. The Thaali is tied three times, and each time a different mantra is chanted.
After the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom are often showered with flowers and rice. This is a symbol of good luck and fertility. The couple will have a special meal, such as a Pongal or a Sambar.
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