Tamil wedding rituals are extremelydetailing. Lets just start with talking about how these rituals are performed step by step in a traditional Tamil wedding.
Pre-wedding ceremonies include the following.
Karappu
This ceremony is performed by the bride`s family members. Clay pots are prepared and grains are put in them. Then these are thrown into the pond to be eaten the fish
Sumangali Prarthanai
This praying ritual is performed to seek blessing from those women who have died before their husband’s death. They are called as Sumangali
Kalyanaponnu
A traditional bathing of groom and bride with scented oils and herbs is perfumed in their individual houses.
The Tamil wedding rituals observed at the main day function
Nandi Devata pujan
Five married women, Sumangali perform this ceremony and they gift clothing to the couple.
Navgraha pujan
This is done to seek blessing from the nine planets that are known to decide the destiny of a person
Vritham
In this ritual, a sacred thread is tied across the wrist of the bride. The groom meanwhile is prepared with the responsibility that would come with the marriage.
Naandi Shraartham
This ritual is carried out in order to offer respect to the ancestors of both the families.
Nicciyadharatham
First, the bride`s parents perform a Ganesha pujan. After which the bride comes and sits. Her in-laws then give her gifts and a new sari.
The major wedding day Tamil wedding rituals include Mangalasnanam, Gauri pujan, Kaasi Yatra and the Padapooja.
Of these kaashi yatra ritual is interesting in which the groom pretends to leave for kaashi become a priest and renounce this world. But on convincing by the bride`s father, he is escorted to the wedding venue.
The Tamil wedding rituals taking place after the solemnization of marriage include Sadvapooja in which the bride offers “payasam” to women gathered
Then a prayer is offered to Sumangali, called Sumangali Prarthanai, in order to seek long married life.
The last of the Tamil wedding rituals is Maruvidu Varudal. here, the newly weds visit the bride`s paternal house for the first time post marriage. They are given gifts to mark this ritual.
