Indian wedding
Guests are greeted with the sprinkling of rose water, while sandalwood paste and vermillion dust are offered to be placed on the forehead to symbolize the third eye of wisdom.
Mappilai Alliappu & Mappilai Varavetpu
The best man and the bride’s brother escort the groom to the bride’s house. Later, the bride’s parents welcome the groom with a flower garland and his best man washes his feet. They then lead him to the nuptial seat where a priest performs the ceremony.
Puniyathanna & Rakshana Bandhanam
The groom wears a tharpai grass ring on his right finger for purifications; a blessed saffron thread is tied around his wrist to protect him from evil.
Paalikai & Manamagal Varuhai
Three or five married ladies sow nine types of grain symbolizing fertility; the bride then enters and wears the ring and the thread on her left finger and wrist respectively.
Sacred Fire & Mangalyatharanam
The deity Agni is invited to witness the marriage and the groom leads the bride to encircle the fire; the taali-tying ceremony of the groom to his bride concludes the wedding.
{Image 1}
