Kerala is a magnificent location that displays the finest, most refined, and most diverse cultural traditions. It is also famous for its pristine beaches, spectacular backwaters, attractive hill stations, lush green flora, and much more. And Kerala matrimony is filled with celebrations.
Kerala matrimony is unique because they have wedding rituals that make the ceremony an unforgettable experience. Every Kerala wedding reflects the state’s soul, where you can savour the cultural essence of God’s Own Country.
Kerala Hindu wedding rituals are brief and straightforward. Despite the other traditional Indian marriages, they feature extremely few rituals. Actually, the majority of traditional Kerala matrimony takes place at a temple, surrounded by friends and family.
Muhurtham
An astrologer matches the Kundlis of the Kerala bride and groom in this pre-wedding ceremony to determine whether the match is sustainable. And if the Kundli match, a Muhurath, which is an auspicious and holy date for the wedding, will be set.
Nischayam
The engagement is the pre-wedding ceremony of a Kerala Hindu wedding. In front of everyone, both families make an official statement about the wedding.
Nischayam, which means engagement, is an integral component of Kerala wedding rituals. Basically, it is an occasion where the bride and groom’s families celebrate good times. And they’ll also exchange the Kerala bride and groom’s horoscopes.
This is the Jaathakam maaral (swapping of matched and approved horoscopes). Mothiram mattal (ring exchange ceremony) also happens during the celebration. During the occasion, they’ll exchange important presents such as wedding jewels.
Mehendi
A bridal Mehendi ceremony in Kerala is similar to other Mehendi celebrations in India. The bride’s home is where the Mehendi ritual takes place. Usually, the bride’s aunts will draw henna patterns on her hands and legs, although a henna artist may take over after a while. In the meantime, the other ladies in the house dance, sing and enjoy the ritual.
Madhuparkam
When the groom and his family arrive at the wedding venue the bride’s father greets them and washes the groom’s feet. The groom presents his in-laws with a white saree that the bride would wear throughout the wedding rituals.
Kanyadaan
The major ritual of a Kerala matrimony begins with the bride’s family formally welcoming the groom’s family. The bride’s father washes the groom’s feet and walks him to the mandap. The bride’s aunts escort the Kerala bride to the mandap. Once the Kerala bride sits, the priest begins the ritual with holy chants.
The couple then walks around the holy fire a few times. In the end, the bride’s father hands over the mangalsutra to the groom, who ties it around the bride’s neck. And this represents the kanyadaan rite, in which the father passes his daughter over to her new spouse. In traditional marriages, the tying of the mangalsutra is called ‘Thalikettu.’
Sparsham
The groom then sits on the floor facing the bride with their foreheads touching. The priest chants and instructs the bride to fill the Veli with rice. Following that, the groom places the bride’s foot on the Ammi (grinding stone) to symbolise her breaking away from her family and stepping into a new family.
Sadhya
The wedding feast, also known as sadhya, is something you should not miss at a typical Kerala wedding. This traditional feast includes up to 25 varieties of delectable native cuisine and they serve this in a banana leaf. The menu includes rice, numerous side dishes, savoury foods, pickles, and desserts. A delight for the taste buds!
Grihapravesh
This is the post-wedding ceremony in which the bride enters her new home for the first time. Mostly, the bride and her spouse enter their new home at a pre-determined auspicious moment.
Afterwards, the groom’s mother greets the newlyweds by lighting oil lamps to dispel any negative energy that may be surrounding the bride. And Kudivep is a greeting ritual which is one of the most auspicious Kerala wedding customs.
Bride’s Attire
Kasavu is the traditional wedding outfit worn by a Kerala bride. The white saree with golden borders catches your eye! Although many brides are choosing other colours. Gold is also an essential component of the bridal trousseau. Brides are well-known for their love of jewellery, yet some prefer to keep things modest.
A Kerala bride will generally wear traditional jewellery such as Kasumala, a lengthy necklace made by stacking gold coins. The next item of jewellery is the Palakka Mothiram, a traditional green necklace with a mango motif. Another popular piece of jewellery worn around the waist is the Oddiyanam belt.
Groom’s Attire
The groom’s traditional wedding dress during a Kerala Hindu wedding exudes love for the colours white and gold. The grooms wear a white Mundu with a zari border as the dhoti/lungi, accompanied by a matching Melmundu scarf. However, as times change, our Mallu males are opting for different western costumes for their wedding attire. The Mundu is typically worn by men with a Kurta or a white shirt. However, some grooms have worn Sherwanis, formal jackets, and even Kurta Pyjamas.