Kalyaanam (Tamil for Wedding)
Iyer weddings, like other Hindu weddings, typically last between 1 to 7 days. Our wedding would last for 2 days – on 29th and 30th April 2010. It is a joyous celebration consisting of age-old traditions and religious rites admixed with lots of singing, dancing and fun-filled processions that typify the vibrant Indian culture. Dress code is usually a well-sewn silk shirt with a veshti (south-indian style silk dhoti) or a kurta for gents and sarees (Kanchipuram) for ladies.
Wedding Ceremonies
| Sr.No |
Date |
Time |
Event |
Location |
| 1 |
29-Apr-10 |
10:00 - 11:00 |
Vruthum |
Thrissur |
| 2 |
29-Apr-10 |
17:00 - 18:00 |
Janavasam |
Thrissur |
| 3 |
29-Apr-10 |
18:30 onwards |
Reception
|
Thrissur |
| 4 |
30-Apr-10 |
06:30 - 11:00 |
Wedding |
Thrissur |
| 5 |
09-May-10 |
19:00 onwards |
Reception |
Mumbai |
Vruthum: Parents of bride and groom pay homage to ancestors and seek their blessings. Vruthum is traditionally the wedding ‘kick-off’. Ours is from 10 and 11 am on 29th April.
Janavasam: Traditionally groom’s family arrives in a procession to the bride’s house a day prior to the wedding. Ours would be a motorcade procession on 29th evening, accompanied by family and friends to the sound of music.
Wedding ceremony consist of the following important rituals:
Nischayathartham: This is the engagement ceremony. Priest reads out the ‘resume’ of the bride and groom, informing everyone of their marriage. People gathered around are asked to ‘raise objections if any – or be silent for the rest of their lives’. (Gym toned brothers and friends gather around to ensure no one raises objections )
Muhurtam: Muhurtam is the ‘Wedding Proper’. The timing is calculated by the head priest in consultation with panchangam and the bride and grooms horoscope. Muhurtam has to be between sun-rise and noon. Our wedding muhurtam is between 8 am to 9 am on 30th April.
It includes rituals likes,
Kasi Yatray: Groom ‘decides’ to take up ‘sanyaas’. Family and friends convince the groom to instead marry and start a family. The bride’s father offers his daughters hand in marriage.
Malai Matal: Exchange of garland. Friends and relatives ‘complicate matters’ by lifting the bride and groom on their shoulders and not letting them exchange garlands. (Now we know why would-be couples diet prior to wedding)
Oonjal: Couple is placed on an oonjal or swing. Women folk sing songs and perform aarthi. Oonjal signifies the up and downs in life.
Kanyadaanam: Bride sits on her fathers lap as he offers his daughter to the groom.
Thali: Groom ties the ‘mangal-sutra’ or ‘thali’ around brides neck.
Sapthapati: The 7-steps around the havan-kund or ‘holy fire’
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