Kerala Wedding Traditions: Malayali Customs & Rituals
Malayalee
weddings, also known as Kerala weddings, are rich in tradition, culture, and
rituals. They are deeply rooted in the customs and practices of the Malayalee
community, which is predominantly located in the southern Indian state of
Kerala. Let’s explore the key traditions and rituals that make Malayalee
weddings unique and special.
Pre-Wedding
Rituals:
Nischayam:
The
Nischayam, or engagement ceremony, is the formal announcement of the wedding.
The families of the bride and groom exchange gifts, and the couple exchanges
rings as a symbol of their commitment to each other.
Poochoodal:
Poochoodal
is a ceremony where the bride’s family presents her with a new set of clothes
and jewelry to be worn on the wedding day. It is a gesture of love and
affection from the bride’s family.
Mehndi:
Mehndi is not a traditional ritual in
Malayalee weddings but has become popular in recent years. The bride may choose
to have intricate henna designs applied to her hands and feet as part of the
pre-wedding celebrations.
Wedding Day
Rituals:
Muhurtham:
The wedding ceremony begins with the
Muhurtham, the auspicious time determined by the family astrologer. The bride
and groom exchange garlands and are seated on a decorative stage or Mandapam.
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Kanyadaan:
Kanyadaan is the ritual where the bride’s
father gives her away to the groom. It signifies the bride’s transition from
her father’s family to her husband’s family.
Thali
(Mangalsutra) Ceremony:
The
groom ties a sacred thread, known as the Thali or Mangalsutra, around the
bride’s neck. This thread symbolizes their marital bond and is a significant
piece of jewelry for married Malayalee women.
Saptapadi:
During
the Saptapadi, the couple takes seven steps around a sacred fire. With each
step, they make promises and vows to each other, committing to a lifelong
partnership.
Mantra
Pushpam:
The priest chants sacred verses from the
Vedas while the couple offers flower petals into the sacred fire. It is a
symbolic act of seeking blessings from the divine for a harmonious and
prosperous married life.
Sadhya:
After the wedding ceremony, a grand feast
called Sadhya is served. It is a traditional vegetarian meal served on banana
leaves, consisting of various delicacies and flavors of Kerala cuisine.
Post-Wedding Rituals:
Griha
Pravesh:
The bride is welcomed into the groom’s home
in a ceremony known as Griha Pravesh. She enters the house by stepping on a
vessel filled with rice, signifying abundance and prosperity.
Veli:
Veli is
a custom where the bride bids farewell to her family and leaves her parental
home to start her new life with her husband. It is a moment of mixed emotions
as the bride’s family and friends shower her with love and blessings.
Reception:
A reception is usually held after the
wedding, where family and friends gather to celebrate the union of the couple.
It involves dinner, cultural performances, music, and dance.
Traditional
Attire:
Malayalee brides typically wear the
traditional attire known as the Kasavu Saree. It is a cream-colored saree with
golden zari borders. The groom usually wears a white Mundu (dhoti) and a
traditional shirt.
Music and
Dance:
Traditional Kerala music and dance forms like
Thiruvathira Kali, Mohiniyattam, and Kathakali often form a part of Malayalee
wedding celebrations. These performances add color, joy, and cultural richness
to the wedding festivities.
Malayalee
weddings are a beautiful blend of customs, rituals, and traditions that
showcase the cultural heritage of the Kerala region. These weddings are known
for their simplicity, elegance, and emphasis on family values. The rituals and
ceremonies create a sense of unity and celebration, making Malayalee weddings
truly memorable and special occasions.