Tamil weddings

A groom who leaves for Kashi and has to be wooed back, and a swing for two.

Before the wedding

1
The date
The family priests meet at the groom's place to fix the date. The couple do not meet again before the wedding.
2
Jaanavaasam
The groom's party arrives at the bride's place a day before, amid fanfare. The engagement and Ganesh Puja follow.

3
Mangala Snanam
An auspicious bath at dawn.
4
Nischiyadaratham
The groom announces he is leaving for Kashi and must be wooed back to marry.
5
Garlands
Exchanged three times, with the maternal uncles of both sides helping.
6
Unjal
The couple sit on a swing and relatives give them milk, banana and sugar.
7
Kanyadanam
The bride's father symbolically unites the couple.
8
Saptapadi
The couple go around the sacred fire seven times, and the groom ties the taali, a yellow thread with a pendant.

9
Nalangu
The couple are given a coconut to play with, just for fun.
10
Laaja Homam and Paaladaanam
Gifts are exchanged between the families and flower petals are showered on the couple.
11
Grihpravesh
The bride is welcomed into her new home and family.

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

Gujarati weddings