Kerala Wedding

Kerala weddings, known for their rich traditions and cultural diversity, are vibrant and colorful celebrations that reflect the states cultural herita ... read more.

Kerala weddings, known for their rich traditions and cultural diversity, are vibrant and colorful celebrations that reflect the states cultural heritage. Kerala is a state in South India with a mix of Hindu, Christian, and Muslim communities, each having its unique wedding customs and rituals. Heres an overview of a typical Kerala wedding:

1. Pre-Wedding Rituals:

   • Engagement (Nischayam or Lagna Patrika): This is the formal engagement ceremony where the bride and groom exchange rings in the presence of their families. A priest or elder often presides over the ceremony.

   • Pandal:

     • Hindu Weddings: In traditional Hindu weddings, a ceremonial canopy called a Pandal is set up at the brides and grooms homes. The Pandal is beautifully decorated for various pre-wedding rituals and ceremonies.

   • Mehendi: The bride and other women often apply intricate mehendi (henna) designs on their hands and feet. The mehendi ceremony is a joyful and celebratory event where family and friends gather to apply mehendi.

2. Wedding Attire:

   • Bride: Kerala brides typically wear a traditional Kasavu saree, often in cream or off-white with a gold border. They adorn themselves with exquisite gold jewelry, including necklaces, earrings, bangles, and more. Fresh flowers, especially jasmine, are used to decorate their hair.

   • Groom: Grooms often wear traditional attire, which includes a Mundu (white dhoti) and shirt, often with gold jewelry like chains or bracelets.

3. The Wedding Ceremony:

   • The main wedding ceremony typically takes place in a temple or a specially decorated wedding venue known as a Kalyana Mandapam.
   • Hindu weddings in Kerala follow traditional rituals, including the tying of the Thali (sacred thread) around the brides neck, which symbolizes the marriage bond.
   • Christian weddings are conducted in churches and include ceremonies like the exchange of vows and the blessing of the wedding rings.
   • Muslim weddings take place in mosques and involve rituals like the Nikkah, where the marriage contract is signed.

4. Sadya (Feast): After the wedding ceremony, a grand feast known as Sadya is served. It is a traditional Kerala meal served on a banana leaf and includes a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, sweets, and desserts.

5. Post-Wedding Rituals:

   • Grihapravesh: After the wedding, the newlywed couple arrives at the grooms house for the first time as a married couple. This ritual is called Grihapravesh.
   • Reception: Often, a wedding reception is held to celebrate with a larger group of friends and extended family. It includes music, dancing, and a lavish dinner.

6. Cultural Variations:

   • Kerala is culturally diverse, with communities such as Hindus, Christians, and Muslims, each following their unique wedding traditions. Therefore, the specific customs and rituals can vary depending on the community and region.

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