Kerala is truly God's own country. Right from the mesmerising backwaters to rich culture and traditions, one cannot help but fall in love with Kerala. And while the state is famous for various places and scenic spots, it's equally known for its traditional weddings. Weddings in Kerala are not only authentic and cultural but also equally beautiful. From the Kerala bride donning a stunning white saree to a grand Sadhya meal, everything in a Kerala-style wedding is unique. And if you are soon to be a Kerala bride, we bet these customary rituals will blow your mind and make your wedding more personal, genuine, and definitely fun.
8 Rituals And Traditions Kerala Bride Should Know Before Her Wedding
- The Nischayam Ceremony: Kerala matrimony have varied cultural traditions and rituals that make them distinctive, charming, and ethnic. And one such ceremony is the Nischayam Ceremony that is equally important for the Kerala girls for marriage and groom. It is an auspicious ceremony where the family's priest helps them pick out a wedding date after studying their horoscopes. And once the date is fixed, this ceremony is performed to honor the joyful announcement of the marriage. The Nischayam ceremony is also known as the ring ceremony, and it also officially marks the beautiful beginning of Kerala girls and boys' relationship. Families exchange gifts and celebrate the moment with their loved ones while feasting on some authentic Kerala dishes.
- Dakshina Kodukkal (Pre-Nuptial Blessing): It is an authentic custom that takes place a day before the wedding and is attended by the intimate family and friends of the Kerala bride and groom. The ceremony is celebrated so that the bride and the groom can take blessings from the elders to lead a happy married life. For the function, the Kerala girl adorns stunning silk, and the groom wears traditional attire.
- Pudamuri: Unlike other ceremonies, this ceremony in Kerala weddings is especially for the Kerala girls for marriage. Even if the girl is independent and capable enough to take care of herself, the family always ensures that her partner supports her all their life. And for that, this ceremony takes place in Kerala. As a part of the ceremony, the groom has to prove as to how well he can take care of his bride. And for the same, the groom gifts his Kerala bride a beautiful silk saree with a blouse on a designed platter which signifies that he will fulfill all her dreams and take utmost care of her. And like other ceremonies, this one is also celebrated with pomp and grandeur.
- Kanyadanam: Hindu weddings are truly beautiful, and every ritual has its significance. And just like other Hindu ceremonies, in Kerala weddings, the wedding takes place in front of the holy fire. Both bride and groom take rounds of the holy fire thrice, and then the groom ties Taali (a delicate yellow necklace) around the bride's neck. And once this is done, then the custom for the Kanyadanam begins where the bride's father hands over his daughter's hand to the groom. And here, it states that the father is now giving over his responsibilities to the groom.
- Sparsham Ritual: In this ritual, the groom is required to sit on the floor and make sure that he faces the bride and their foreheads align and touch. And then, with holy chants being hummed by the priests, the Kerala girl for marriage puts rice in the Veli. Post this, the groom puts the bride's foot on the grinding stone.This ceremony marks their courtship and the fact that the bride is now ready to be a part of the new family while leaving her family behind. The chants, the ambiance, and the Kerala girl dressed traditionally- there's nothing you will not like about this ceremony.
- Sadhya: While all the festivities are fun in a Kerala wedding, there's one custom that the Kerala girls and boys look most forward to, and that's the classic Sadhya feast. With over 25 different varieties of meal served in the traditional plantain plate. The 25 meal course includes rice, three types of curries, savory pickles, and delightful sweets. And while Sadhya is a must-have, there are other dishes too served with the basics. All in all, Sadhya is a treat, and you definitely must make a point to eat Sadhya at Kerala weddings. And for relishing it to its fullest, eat it with your hands just like others do at the Kerala style wedding.
- Griha Pravesh: In Kerala, everything is done with style and fun. In fact, unlike other Hindu Vidaai ceremonies, brides in Kerala follow this ritual with a smile on their faces. Without any tears, the bride enters the new home with her husband in style. And this auspicious ceremony is planned well in advance. The bride enters her new home with a traditional lamp in her hand, and that act is known as Kudivep. This one is also considered the most auspicious ritual of Kerala wedding ceremonies. Everyone showers the bride with flowers and love on her entry to the new house.
- Sthuthi Cholluka: Kerala is a diverse state which makes their weddings quite different too, both culturally and aesthetically. Sthuthi Cholluka is performed in a Catholic Kerala-style wedding, where the couple says prayers before heading to the church for marriage. This ceremony is then followed by Gurudakshina, which is like Dakshina Kodukkal, where the couple touches the elder's feet and seeks blessings.
Whether you are going to be a Kerala-styled Bride or not, you must try to attend a wedding in Kerala to have an unforgettable experience. With multiple rituals and ceremonies in place, you surely will learn a lot about Kerala and its traditions, which are way beyond the tourist spots. And while you are there, don't miss to take part in the festivities while savoring the grand Sadhya meal.
