Glitter and glamour are far from Tamil wedding ceremonies. The simplicity can be easily observed during prewedding Tamil rituals.
Marriage affirmation
After the affirmation of the wedding by the elderly, a wedding formal is drawn. This is placed on a special tray. This tray contains betel leaf, coconuts and bananas. In order to label the occasion, a silk sari is given to the bride from the groom’s side. The groom to is given gift in the form of clothing. Cash is also given to both as Shagun.
Karappu
This ceremony is also called by the name of Paalikali Thalippu. An active ceremony performed by the bride`s family. The custom is to prepare seven pots of clay using kumkum power and sandalwood paste.
These pots are then filled with nine types of grains and curd. These are then given water by five married women of the house. The immediate next day, these pots are thrown into pond. It is believed that if any wish eats the grains that may have sprouted then the couple is blessed with happy married life.
Sumangali prathanai
In Tamil culture, those women who die before demise of their husbands are believed to be auspicious and that are called by the name of Sumangali.
A praying ceremony is performed in respect of these women so as to seek blessing for the bride.
Kalyanaponnu/ Kalyanapallai
A special ceremony performed at both the houses where the groom and the bride are bathed with special aromatic oils. After this pre wedding Tamil ritual, they both are forbidden to leave the house before the wedding day.
Welcome of groom and gathering.
On the day of wedding, the groom, his family and the entire gathering from his side is welcomed with Mishri, flowers, fruits and supari.
The bride` mother welcomes the groom by drizzling rose water on him.
Nandi devta pujan is done by 5 married women. This is followed by Navgraha pujan .in the ceremony of Vritham a holy thread is tied
Nicchiyadharatham
This ceremony observes performing Ganesha pujan by parents of the bride. Tilak of kumkum and chandan. She is given gifts by her in-laws.
By this ritual, the countdown for the big begins.
