Traditional Ceremonies and Rituals Observed at Wedding Celebrations in Kerala

Kerala is known for a wonderful blend of three types of wedding ceremonies. Syrian Christian, Nair weddings, along with other popular Indian types of weddings. It is surprising to check how every wedding in some way becomes similar to that of the other, however very distinct as well. Exchanging of trays indicates the finalization of the pair in case of Nair and the other wedding types, whereas fixing church and getting permission from the authorities indicates the finalization in case of Christian marriages. The Christian marriage ritual will start with oil bath along with sweet banana milk that will be offered to both bride and the groom. The bride will then reach the church by car that is sent by bridegroom, where the couple will exchange their vows.

Hindu Wedding Rituals

In case of Hindu weddings, a party before wedding and visiting temple to get blessings will open the marriage ceremony. For Hindu marriages, the rituals are performed either in a large auditorium or at bride’s home. First, the groom will be welcomed by the bride’s brother prior to sitting at the mandap for exchanging the vows and other ceremonial. It is while performing the actual ritual that they tie mangalsutra, sindoor is applied and other rituals are completed, which end the ceremony.

Background of Traditional Malayali Weddings

The traditional Hindu wedding is varied from that of the normal Hindu weddings and Nair weddings. A very usual Hindu marriage is simple in terms of both attire and style. During the ceremony, there are some important rituals familiar for all types of Hindu weddings. Kanyadanam, which involves tying of thali also connected with other rituals. It is during when the father of the girl will offer the bride to the groom, distribute clothes and at last, the drinking of sweet milk will take place. During Christian weddings, marriage ceremonies will be completed by the exchange of rings. Bride and groom must also sign in the marriage register to record the wedding for both types of marriages.

Attire and Style

The bride will be wearing the traditional sari for the ceremony. The sari, which is obviously the popular Kasavu sari, is a plain white in a golden border making it look wonderful in all ways. Gold plays the crucial part of Kerala marriages. The bride will be wearing everything including a waist band, earrings, beautiful necklace, etc. The maang tikka and others will also be in gold. The bride wears gold jewels from her top to toe. The families of bride and groom will be dressed in different traditional saris that are mostly made of silk. The conventional Hindu weddings would even find a lot of gold on the guests. Men would wear kurta and dhoti made of silk. In Christian weddings, the bride wears a charming and beautiful white gown, whereas the groom will wear a suit. The elegant beauty of Kerala marriage actually lies in white color.

Global Appeal and Current Scenario

Modernity has changed few rituals in a typical kerala wedding. Among the different traditions in kerala wedding, it has still maintained the essential crust of customs in the wedding rituals. With cocktail party to start the wedding celebrations and hiring decorators and photographers to design the ambience and wedding decor, the wedding customs in Kerala have taken different changes in terms of style and glamour. The distinct wedding tradition is also popular worldwide capturing the hearts of most across the world. Majority of the people residing in the foreign land have reflected this tradition in the movies and in cultural arts.