Simplicity and soberness are the characteristics of a traditional Kannada wedding. Read on to know the complete set-up of Kannada wedding rituals.

The Mandap Puja

This ceremony is performed in order to spiritually purify the Mandap in which the wedding ceremony is to be performed. This is done by the Vedic mantras and sprinkling of holy water by the priest.

The Var Puja

The father of the bride escorts the groom to the Mandap after Mandap Puja. Then the ceremony of Var Puja is performed in which the bridegroom is worshipped as they are observed as the form of Lord. The feet of the groom are washed by parents of the bride. They then give the groom a gift clothing of pitamber as a silk dhoti which he wears.

Then, the entry of the bride occurs. She is escorted by her sister who veils the face of the bride with a fan made out of peacock feathers. As the bride takes her seat, a white cloth is curtained between these two so that they are not able to see each other. As the priest starts to enchant Vedic mantras, the bride and the e groom exchange garlands. The sister holds a kalash containing coconut, Kombu Gindi and beetle leaves.

The ceremony of Dhare Herdu Custom

This is one of the most touching ritual out of other Kannada wedding rituals. This is performed by the parents of the bride in reference to giving her up to the groom for good. The hand of the bride is given into the hands of the groom. To it, are placed a coconut and beetle leaves. Then, the parents of the bride pour holy water into their hands. Finally, the groom ties mangalsutra to the bride.

The ceremony of Saptapadi

Saptapadi, like other Hindu weddings, is performed. The couple take seven vows around holy fire as Vedic mantra are recited by the priest.