Hindu Weddings

As per traditional Hindu culture, Kerala wedding also starts with the exchange of horoscopes by the parents of the boy and the girl. If the horoscope matches, an auspicious date of the marriage is then finalized in consultation with the astrologers. The day before the wedding, after receiving blessings, the groom must dine with the elders of his family and relatives. The bride, too, observes the same ritual in her own house. The bride is seated facing the east, and has a traditional five-course vegetarian meal with her family.

The the nuptial ceremony is performed around the "agni" (fire). The bride and the groom circle the sacred fire thrice, after which the bride's father ties the "Taali", which is strung on a yellow thread around the neck of the bride. Thereafter the bride's father gives her hand to the groom in a ceremony called "Kanyadaanam". After the Kanyadaanam, the groom sits in front of the bride and tilts his head backwards, to touch her forehead. After this the girl offers puffed rice to the fire to the chant of various mantras. Her palms are placed in her husband's hands and she performs the "hom". After this, the groom lifts the bride's foot and places it on the grinding stone signifying breaking of her ties from her old family. The groom then moves the bride's foot forward seven times with his hand symbolizing her entry into his family.

The first event at the groom's house after marriage is called Kudiveypu or making a new home/family. At the threshold of the groom's home, aarthi of the couple with deep (lamp) is performed. While entering the house, the bride first places her right foot into it. She holds a traditional lamp in her hand while entering the house. Ganpathi pooja is now performed. The bride then boils milk in the kitchen to herald her inclusion in her new family.


Marriage is Kerala is an event of fun and frolic like the rest of marriages. Marriage is an occasion when prospective husband and wife take various wedding vows. Horoscopes are matched first and then the date is finalized with the astrologers. Before the wedding day, the groom must dine with the elders of his family and relatives. Girl also observes the same rituals in her house.

Marriage takes place during the day. Before the marriage, the groom pays a visit to temple and takes the blessings of his elders.
When groom reaches the bride?s house on the wedding day in a dhoti, his feet are washed by the bride?s father. He gives white sari for the bride which she has to wear during the whole ceremony.

After this, lagan is performed in which girl and boy take three rounds around the fire. A ?taali? is put in yellow thread and tied around the neck of the bride by the father of the bride. Bride?s father places her hand in the hands of the groom. The girl is given to boy in this way.

After this, groom sits in front of the bride and tilts her head backward and touched it with her forehead.




Nischayam or the engagement ceremony as it is popularly called is the date fixed by the elders to announce the day of the marriage to their family and friends. The prospective bride and groom are not present on this occasion.