Wedding Invitation

We take great pleasure
in inviting your family and friends
on the
memorable event of our marriage
on Sunday, the 29th April 2007
at
Kuchalambal Kalyana Mandapam,
Chetpet,Chennai-31

yours,

Mohan & Janani

Rituals in Wedding

Nischayadhatham (Engagement)

The bride's father and the bridegroom's father facing each other solemnizes the final betrothal ceremony, the Vedic priests chanting the relevant hymns-in which the names of the bride, the bridegroom as well as the names of their three generations of ancestors, are cited in the presence of friends, relatives and guests.

Kasi Yatra

The groom wearing a new chappal holding an umbrella and a walking stick proceeds on his yatra to Kasi.The father of the girl intercepts him offering his girl in marriage and bring him to Grahasth Ashramam.

Maalai-Mathal(Exchange of Garlands)

The boy and the girl exchange garlands usually helped by their uncles lifting them bodily. The event adds festivity to the occasion.

Unjal (The Swing)

The bride and the groom sit on the swing. Friends and relatives display their talent in classical music, providing festivity to the atmosphere. The swing signifies the ups and downs of life.

Nugathadi (Yoke on the Girl’s Head)

Sacred grass tied around a wooden yoke with the mangalyam is placed on the head of the girl. Holy water is sprinkled on it. This represents the two bullocks yoke together, to express symbolically that the long journey of marital life would progress well in harmony like the two bullocks yoked together.

Mangalya-Dharanam

The most precious moment in one’s life. The bride sits on her father’s lap. The groom ties the mangalya sutra around the bride’s neck with prayers for his well being and for her to live hundred years.

Sapta-Padi (Metti)

The groom takes the right big toe of the bride in his right hand and walks her seven steps. At each step he seeks a blessing for the bride. The marriage gets completed. The mantras recited mean:” You have become my companion, whereby I acquire your friendship. We shall remain together inseparable. Let us make a vow together, we shall share love, share the same food, share the strengths. We shall be of one mind; we shall observe the vows together”.

Nalungu

During Nalungu, the ladies sing songs poking fun at the bridegroom and the in-laws. These events bring out many qualities of the bride and the groom-sporting spirit, kindness, strength, co-operative nature etc.

Pani-Grahanam

The bridegroom holds the bride’s right hand and recites the marriage vows in four mantras. He prays Agni the God of fire, Saraswathi the Goddess of knowledge and Vayu the Lord of wind for blessings, long life and congruence of mind.