Wedding in Southern States of India are different from the normal weddings that are held around the other parts of India. Indian Weddings are different according to different regions and different societies.
South Indian Wedding Traditions follows the customs and traditions of Hindu Wedding ceremonies. The prayer ceremonies, traditional rituals, the decorations of the wedding hall and the costumes of the couple are a great feature of South Indian Weddings. The typical ambience of a South Indian Wedding constitutes of plantain trees tied on gateposts, screw pine petals and garlands of mango leaves on the gates, the loud notes of Nadaswaram and colourful Rangolis at the doorsteps. The gate of the wedding hall is decorated with trees that signify endless generations of evergreen nature.
Rituals of Wedding in Southern States of India
Just like other Hindu Traditions, the South Indian Wedding Traditions also starts with the procession of the bridegroom. Accompanied by the bride"s family he enters the "Mandap" amidst the loud noise of Nadaswaram. The process starts with a formal ceremony of betrothal. To appease the Gods the branch of a Pipal tree is kept there and washed by 5 housewives. During the "Vratham" the bride wears the holy thread for protection from the evil spirits. The groom from that time is not a bachelor anymore and Vratham is recognition of this fact. During the main South Indian wedding ceremony, the feet of bride and groom are washed with milk and dried with silk cloth by the bride"s father.
The South Indian Wedding Traditions also have some things in similar to the other Hindu Wedding Traditions like exchange of garlands and walking round the fire. The bride wears a ring made of Kusa and on it the "Mangalsutra" is placed. The bride then receives an auspicious washing and draped in Koorai Saree.
In South Indian Wedding the fire is considered to be very important and is regarded as the holy purifier and a sacred witness to the union of the couple. The evenings are mainly for fun revelry and friendly banter where people get dressed in the best of their clothes and enjoy the delicious menu.
