Indian marriage tradition is full of variety and its origin goes back to several millennia. South India alone has different varieties of marriage tradition. The mantras used in present marriages have their origin back to Vedangas of the Rig Veda. Few of the rituals of marriage may vary from region wise but the basic elements remain the same.

In South Indian marriages, the presence of `Sumangalis` (married women) and the `Purna kumbha` (pot filled with water and leaves) are must. They are thought to be very auspicious and they add a positive vibration in the marriage occasion. In a man`s life, the married state is regarded as one of the four stages of life in South India. Therefore, so much of importance is given on the traditions and ceremonies.

The marriage ceremonies and rituals of South India emphasise on certain basic features. `Nischiatartam` or `Betrothal` is the ritual in which the engagement is formally and publicly announced. This ceremony is performed before the marriage is formally registered. Hence it is an important part of the ceremony before the full-fledged marriage. Before this, a temple visit is given and prayers are offered to the presiding deity.

In South India, the bride and the groom exchange flower garlands on the morning of the wedding day. Then the most important ceremony of the marriage called `oiknnya danam` is performed, which means `gift of the bride`. The daughter is given to the bridegroom as his most precious gift by the bride`s father. He may also offer some worldly gift on the couple out of love and affection. It is followed my one more important ritual i, e, the tying of `Mangalasutra` by the groom to the bride. The Mangalasutra is a yellow thread with gold pendant with the caste mark on it. The groom needs to tie it around the neck of the bride with three knots, which means an appeal to the Brahma, Vishnu and Siva for their blessings. Then `Homa` is performed to invoke Agni the god of fire, as a witness to the marriage through performing this Homa. It is also one of the most important rituals.

The next step of a South Indian marriage includes performing the important ritual of `Saptapadi` round the fire by the bride and the bridegroom. These seven steps round the fire denote vows to share the responsibilities of home and children, remain faithful, life long partners, prosper and share worldly goods and cherish each other and their families in sorrow and happiness.

Almost, all the rituals are similar in all South Indian marriages. But few minor differences are there among different communities. These include like in some communities the initiative for the proposal for the marriage comes from the bridegroom and not from the bride. In some communities, the wedding takes place at the bridegroom`s place. In most of the South Indian marriages, consulting the astrologer for the compatibility of the couple as well for fixing of an auspicious day and time for the marriage is must. One more custom includes respecting the family members of both and entertaining the couple by the relatives in their houses. In Tamil families of South India, offering the bride price or `Paricham` is common though it is not taken as a very good custom. Giving of dowry to the groom is also very common in South Indian marriages.