Here’s a brief summary of each ritual that you witness at our wedding ceremony!

Kashi Yatra

In this playful ritual, the groom pretends to be uninterested in marriage and expresses a desire to go on a pilgrimage to Kashi. The bride’s family then stops him, requesting that he marry the bride instead.

Ganesh Pooja

The first ritual of the wedding is the Ganesh Pooja, where the groom participates to seek blessings for a prosperous and smooth wedding. This prayer is meant to remove any obstacles and ensure the wedding proceeds without any hindrances.

Gauri Pooja

While the groom participates in the Ganesh Pooja, the bride prays to Goddess Gauri for blessings of fertility, motherhood, and triumph over evil. The bride seeks her blessings for a harmonious and happy married life.

Bride's Entry

After the poojas, the bride enters the venue with her parents and family. Traditionally, she may be carried in a straw basket by her maternal uncles, and a curtain is placed between her and the groom until the Jeelakara Bellam ritual is complete to maintain the anticipation and excitement.

Kanyadaan & Panigrahanam

In this emotional ritual, the bride’s parents wash the groom’s feet and offer their daughter’s hand to him. The groom, in turn, vows to love, honor, and protect his bride for life, symbolizing the bond they are about to form.

Jeelakara Bellam

The couple applies a mixture of cumin and jaggery on each other’s heads during an auspicious moment, symbolizing their commitment to face life's ups and downs together. The ritual represents the bittersweet journey of life they will share, with each other’s support.

Mangalsutram

After changing into special attire, the groom ties the sacred mangalsutram (a yellow thread with gold pendants) around the bride’s neck, signifying their physical, mental, and spiritual union. The tying of three knots represents their commitment in thoughts, words, and actions.

Talambralu

During this light-hearted ritual, the bride and groom shower each other with rice, colored with turmeric paste, while mantras are chanted. The families join in the fun as they cheer on their side in this playful competition.

Pradhanam

A fun game follows as the couple takes turns reaching into a pot filled with milk, rose petals, and a hidden gold ring. The couple competes to find the ring first, bringing laughter and entertainment to everyone.

Kanyadaan Akshata

The couple exchanges flower garlands, symbolizing their acceptance of each other as life partners. As they exchange the jaimalas, friends and family shower them with flowers and rice, celebrating the union.

Saptapadi & Sthaalipaakam

The couple takes seven sacred rounds around the fire, each round representing a marital vow for nourishment, togetherness, and lifelong commitment. Their vows cover promises of care for each other, their families, and their future.

Arundhati Nakshatram

The priest leads the couple to view the Arundhati and Vasistha stars in the sky, representing the ideal married couple. Afterward, the groom places a silver toe ring on the bride’s toe, marking the completion of this sacred ritual.

M&S