Kavya & Atul
Wedding Rituals
1. Kasi Yatra
After completing his education, the groom contemplates leaving for Kasi to become a Sanyasi, instead of entering the Grihastha Ashrama (married life) but is convinced by the bride's brother to get married.
2. Gauri Pooja
The bride prays to Goddess Gauri before the wedding, so that Godess Gauri can protect bride and groom.
3. Baraat
The groom, his family and friends lead a wedding procession involving music and dancing. They are greeted at the entrance by the bride's family.
4. Jai Mala
This is a pre-wedding ceremony where bride and groom exchange flower garlands to symbolize accepting each other for the wedding.
5. Joota Chupai
The bride's "sisters" hide the groom's shoes. When he is leaving the mandap, he has to bribes them to give his shoes back, which is his way of welcoming them into his family.
6. Ganapati Pooja
The bride's parents and the groom begin the ceremony by offering a prayer to Lord Ganesh, who is the remover of obstacles, for the wedding ceremony.
7. Punyahavachanam
The priest recites mantras (chants) that would purify water in a container by invoking the power of several holy rivers. This water is then used to purify the surroundings and to perform the ceremony.
8. Raksha Bandhanam
Special cords that provide safety (raksha) are tied around the wrists of bride and groom to provide protection against evil forces during the ceremony.
9. Vara Pooja
The bride's parents invite groom onto the stage and offer him clothes or other gifts signifying acceptance of the groom.
10. Kanya Daanam
The bride walks to the mandap (marriage altar) with members of her family. There is a curtain separating the bride and groom as they perform a few rituals. While the bride holds a whole coconut, her parents offer her hand in marriage.
11. Jeelakara Bellam
"Jeelakara" means cumin and "Bellam" means jaggery in Telugu. These two items are blended together to form a paste. At the muhurtam (auspicious time for the wedding), the bride and groom place this paste on each other’s heads. This is the point at which the couple is now officially married, and the curtain separating them is removed.
12. Madhuparkam
At this time, bride changes her attire to prepare for the next phases of the ceremony.
13. Maangalya Dhaarana
The maangalya or mangalasutra is a sacred yellow thread smeared with turmeric and attached with 2 separate gold pendants called "sutralu". The groom ties this around the bride’s neck with 3 knots to indicate that they are married.
14. Sindoor Daan
The groom applies sindoor or vermilion (a symbol of marriage worn by Hindu women) on the bride's hair parting.
15. Homam
Agni (Fire), who is the messenger to the heavens and is symbolized by the light and fire, is invited and worshipped by the bride and groom. They offer rice into the fire and pray for their happiness and prosperity. Agni witnesses their marriage and blesses the couple.
16. Brahma Mudi
The ends of the bride's saree and the groom's dupatta are tied together, signifying the union of their souls in the presence of elders.
17. Mattelu (Toe Rings)
The groom puts two two rings on the second toe of both the feet.
18. Sapta Padi
The bride and the groom walk 7 steps together. Before each step, there is a significant promise (recited in Sanskrit) that the bride and groom make in the presence of Agni (Fire).
19. Talambralu
"Talambralu" are rice mixed with turmeric and other things that the bride and groom pour on each other’s head like a shower. The event signifies the happiness and prosperity of the marriage.
20. The Ring Game
In this ritual, the bride and groom put their right arm into a large pot to see who picks the ring first for best two out of three.
21. Appagintalu
This segment is where the bride's parents introduce the bride to all the members of groom's family and ask them to take care of her.
22. Arundhati Nakshatram
In this ritual, the couple is taken out of the mandap by the priest to spot the Arundhati Nakshatram (star) in the sky. Arundhati and Vasistha represent the ideal couple, and it is the only visible pair of stars that revolve around each other.
23. Aaseervadam
The priest prays for blessings from the Supreme Lord for the well being of the newlyweds and of those assembled. The family showers rice and flowers on the couple to bless them and wish them good luck, prosperity, and a long and happy married life.