Hindu Wedding

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http://www.keral.com/matri/hindu.htm

FOR HINDU, Marriage is the attempted union of two different families rather than

the union of two individuals. Social status, financial security and a host of

other things are takeinto consideration while searching for prospective

matches.

It is assumed that when the horoscopes foretell compatibility, things will

progress smoothly. The young people get a chance to see each other. But, in

most cases, what makes the marriage work is the trouble shooting done by the

parents.

After the prospective horoscopes are matched "nakshatra porutham" - matching of

the stars by the astrologer, an auspicious day and time is fixed.

ENGAGEMENT

At this appointed time family members and the boy will go to the girl's house,

escorted by close relatives and the "jathakams" (horoscopes) are exchanged

between the father of the boy and that of the girl.

This will be performed in front of the picture of their favorite god or goddess.

Betel leaves, Betel nut, fruits, Incense sticks, Nilavilakku (traditional kerala

lamp made of brass) and bhasmam (vermilion) will also be placed besides the

picture of the deity.

Then the girl and boy, in traditional dress, will exchange rings in presence of

the gathering. Usually the engagement is held as a sacred one and is not

allowed to withdraw from it.

FUNCTIONS BEFORE MARRIAGE.

For fixing the day of the marriage. The usual procedure for this is that on the

day given by the astrologer, two to three male members of the grooms family

will go to the brides house and gives the astrology slip mentioning the day,

date and the exact time (muhurtam) to conduct the wedding. Normally Tuesdays

and Fridays are avoided for this visit.

MARRIAGE DAY FUNCTIONS

On the marriage day, the girl proceeds to visit the temple of her favorite

deity. There an offering "vazhipadu" is made in the name, and star, of the

groom. It is called 'astothara archana'.

At the auspicious time, the groom and his relatives will be received by the

relatives of the bride. The brother of the girl (or the person having that

position) will apply sandal paste on the forehead of the boy, and offers him

the garland. Afterwards the boy will be lead to the 'mandapam' - an elevated

place usually decorated by flowers.

Then the bride is led to the mandapam, just before the muhurtam, in company of 9

to 11 girls in a procession of 'thalapoli'- a custom of leading the important

person to the stage by girls holding a small circular vessel, made of brass or

steel, with a coconut lamp and flowers. Then the father (or other elders if he

is dead) will lead her to the mandapam and seats her on the left side of the

groom.

At the appointed time groom will tie the sacred thread (this is usually a gold

chain, but some people prefer an yellow thread), amidst the compulsory

'nadaswarem'- a mixed band of kerala musical instruments-with the help of his

sister (or of those who occupies that position). At this moment the gathering

of friends and relatives will shower floral petals on the newly wedded couple.

Then both of them will garland each other. He then gives her 'pudava'- the

traditional sari in a silver or steel platter. Then both of them will circle

the mandapam, thrice. A pujari will also be present to help them go through the

rites without hitch. He will be offered some 'dakshina'- a practice of giving

some token money for the guidance.

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