Telegu society is identified by taking a glance at its locations, festivals and local residents. Beautiful coastal beaches run along the Bay of Bengal ; The Eastern Ghats cushions the region; the rivers Godavari and Kistna form deltas thus adding beauty to the whole area. The region experiences heavy rainfall during monsoons, otherwise it is comparatively dry throughout the year. The sultry summer and meek winter seasons contribute to the individuality of the Telegu society.
Festivals, customary practices, rites and rituals are part and parcel of Telegu society. Marriage celebrations are quite elaborate .
Pre wedding rituals include
•Muhurtam - it ascertains the propitious time of wedding
• Pendlikoothuru- It is similar to the "Haldi ceremony"
•Kashi Yatra- it is the occasion where the groom pretends togo to Kashi, a famous pilgrimage. He acts to discard all the societal responsibilities and become a devotee of God . However the brother of the bride forbids him and persuades him to marry his sister.
Wedding Day Rituals are
•Mangala snaanam- it is the ritualistic bath that the couple undertakes at dawn .
•Aarti- the couple are anointed with oil after the holy bath.
•Ganesh Pooja - it is the worship of Lord Ganesha performed before the commencement of the wedding.
•Wedding Rituals- It begins with "Kanyadaan" where the bride"s father formally gives her hand to the groom. This is followed by tying the auspicious wedding thread, "Mangalsutra" at the bride"s neck by the groom.
As last lap, Grihapravesh ,i.e. entrance of the bride in her hubby"s house and combining the Mangalsutra are performed after the completion of the wedding.
Andhras are mostly Hindus and the festivals include Holi , Dasahara , Diwali, Ugadi (beginning of the new year), Shivaratri (honoring Shiva), Chauti (Ganesha`s birthday).
