Malayali weddings
A short ceremony, three rounds of the fire and an elaborate vegetarian meal.
Before the wedding
- 1
Muhurtham
Parents exchange and match horoscopes, and the auspicious date is set with the astrologers.
- 2
Nischayam
The engagement, announced by the elders to family and friends. The couple are not present.
- 3
The dinner
The day before, the bride sits facing east for a five-course vegetarian meal with her family.
The wedding day
- 4
The welcome
The bride's father washes the groom's feet, and the groom gives him the off-white sari the bride will wear.
- 5
Veli
The couple circle the sacred fire three times and the taali is strung on a yellow thread around the bride's neck.
- 6
Kanyadaanam
Her father gives her hand to the groom, in the ceremony also called Penkoda.
- 7
Sparsham
The groom tilts his head back to touch the bride's forehead, for the meeting of minds.
- 8
Ammi
The groom places the bride's foot on a grinding stone and moves it forward seven times, into his family.
After the rites
- 9
The meal
An elaborate spread of vegetarian dishes straight after the wedding.
- 10
Kudivep
The couple leave for the groom's house, preceded by lamps.
- 11
Grihpravesh
The bride is welcomed into her new home.
Every family does things a little differently, so treat this as a guide rather than a rule. Your elders will have the last word.
Planning a Malayali wedding?
We can bring the priests, the musicians, the mehndi and the sweets, wherever you marry.
Next guide
Punjabi weddings