These rituals often take place in the early morning. For Sruthi, the Kappu, or thread, will be tied during the Vratham to ward off Dhristi (evil eye). Nikhil will separately offer prayers to Agni and other deities to bless him as he begins his new role of husband.
Nikhil enacts the role of a groom who wants to leave the marriage hall and instead, embark on a life of celibacy in the city of Kashi (Varanasi), a holy city in North India. Sruthi’s father will convince him to marry her, and Nikhil accepts… Here’s where the real fun begins!
This ritual is joyous and lively! Sruthi and Nikhil will each be wearing garlands around their neck. Then, as upbeat instrumental naadhaswaram music plays in the background, they will be hoisted on the shoulders of their friends and will have to exchange garlands three times. Be on the lookout for their friends playfully dodging and weaving!
Sruthi and Nikhil will relax on the oonjal, or swing, while elders perform the “Pidi Suthal” to ward off the evil eye.
This translates to “giving away the bride.” Sruthi will sit on her father’s lap as she transitions into the role of Nikhil’s wife.
Nikhil will take the sacred marriage thread, or Thaali, and tie it around Sruthi’s neck. This is often accompanied by a crescendo in the music as the drums beat louder. This thread symbolizes their physical, mental, and spiritual union. They will then hold hands from this point on for the remainder of the ceremony.
This is often considered the most important part of the ceremony. Sruthi and Nikhil will walk hand in hand around the sacred fire pit seven times, with each round representing one of the seven vows they make to each other. Nikhil will then assist Sruthi in placing her foot on a grindstone to symbolize that her mind be firm as a rock, unperturbed by the trials and tribulations of life.
Sruthi and Nikhil will be showered with turmeric coated rice as they leave the wedding hall as a married couple for the first time!