Things to Know about A Traditional Kerala Hindu Wedding

Traditional Kerala Hindu weddings are a treat for the eyes. The simple and graceful wedding rituals could be divided into 3 parts- the pre-wedding, the wedding and the post-wedding ceremonies. The entire ceremony is a big relief from the extravagant north-Indian weddings. Those who participate in a Malayali wedding, bring back fond memories. At every corner, there are ample moments suitable to be frozen into photo frames. Thus, be careful to appoint the reputed wedding photographers in Kerala unless you want to take the risks of investing money in unworthy end products.

Pre-Wedding Rituals

Traditional Kerala weddings take forward the legacy of arranged marriages in India. At first, the horoscopes of the boy and the girl are matched by an able astrologer. Post a positive outcome, the engagement ceremony is held. The ‘Muhurtham’ or the wedding date is finalised during this occasion. The astrologers refer to the ‘Panchangam’ or the Hindu astrological almanack to find out the auspicious date of the wedding.

A grand engagement feast is held where the guests are served with sumptuous Kerala dishes on banana leaves.

The Wedding Rituals

The groom with his friends and family members visit the bride’s house. The ‘dhoti’ and ‘angavastram’ are the traditional attires of the groom. The off-white ‘Kasavu’ sari worn by the bride comes from the groom’s family. The tying of ‘Thali’ or the Kerala version of a ‘Mangalsutra’; ‘Kanyadaanam’, the ritual where the bride’s father gives her hand to the groom and ‘sparsham’, a ceremony where the groom tilts his head to touch the forehead of the bride are 3 of the most emotional moments. Not to mention that the professional wedding photographers will turn these moments into lifetime memories for the bride and the groom.

‘Laja’ is the ceremony where the bride pours in puffed rice into the ‘agni’ of the ‘hom’. With the completion of this ceremony, the wedding comes to an official closing. The placing of the bride’s feet on the grinding stone called ‘ammi’ signifies the severing of her ties with her parental family. Next, the groom guides her to take 7 steps forward that stands for her entry into the new family.

Post Wedding Rituals

A grand feast is arranged after the completion of the wedding ceremony. The bride leaves for the home of her husband after taking the blessings of her elders. A ‘grihapravesh’ or welcome ceremony is organised in the groom’s home where the bride has to perform an ‘aarti’ or a prayer to cast off evil eyes.

Changing Customs with the Changing Times

Modern Kerala boys and girls are living across the globe. Hence, they are incorporating separate customs within their wedding rituals. Lavish north-Indian wedding ceremonies like the ‘mehendi’ and ‘sangeet’ are becoming integral parts of the Kerala weddings. The ceremonies are becoming cosmopolitan in nature where the best of traditional customs are joined by the best of modern trends.

Many brides and grooms are holding ‘mohiniattam’ performances at the post-wedding ceremonies. Everyone is trying to leave a unique personal touch to the occasion that would leave an evergreen memory not only in their minds but also to those who witness the moments.

The Jewellery

Kerala bridal jewellery sets could make anybody jealous of the bride (especially the women). In the past, only golden jewellery used to be the cynosure of eyes. Nowadays, the precious stone studded jewellery glare the eyes of the guests present at the wedding. In fact, the amount of gold and precious stones defines the social standing of the bride’s family.

The modern Kerala brides never hesitate to adorn herself with the scintillating jewellery sets. They become the muses to the wedding photographers.

The Food

Kerala wedding cuisines have earned a distinct name in the culinary world. They include the local flavours without giving a miss to the cosmopolitan hues. Traditional wedding menu may include tasty delicacies from the regional kitchen along with south-east Asian or middle-east variants.

Considering the fame of wedding photography in Thrissur, one can appoint a good service provider. Whether it is capturing the touchy or hilarious moments or focusing on the highlights of the events, wedding photographs keep the memory afresh and alive in the minds of the bride and the groom.