Kannada weddings

A groom who threatens to become an ascetic, and a bride shielded by a fan of peacock feathers.

Before the wedding

1
Naandi
Performed at both houses, to ensure the marriage takes place whatever the circumstances.
2
Kashi Yatre
The groom pretends to be angry that nobody has found him a bride and announces he will be an ascetic, until his maternal uncle offers him a match.
3
Dev Karya
The goods to be exchanged are placed before Lord Ganesha, and haldi is applied at both houses.

4
Mandap Puja
Prepares the hall for an event as sacred as a marriage.
5
Var Puja
The bride's parents wash the groom's feet and offer him a silk dhoti and pitambar.
6
The fan
The bride's sister shields her face with a fan of peacock feathers as she comes to the mandap.
7
Dhare Herdu
Her parents sprinkle holy water on the couple's joined hands, and the mangalsutra is tied.
8
Saptapadi
Seven rounds of the holy fire.
9
Okhli
The groom's ring is dropped into coloured water and the bride and her brother search for it three times.

10
Graha Pravesh
The bride kicks a kalash of rice at the threshold, and the groom writes her new name in rice with a ring.
11
Five sarees
The groom's family gives the bride five sarees, each for its own occasion, including a Kanjivaram for the wedding.

Every family does things a little differently, so treat this as a guide rather than a rule. Your elders will have the last word.

We can bring the priests, the musicians, the mehndi and the sweets, wherever you marry.

Next guide

Malayali weddings