AN INDIAN WEDDING

An Indian wedding as many people know, is one of the most expensive weddings in the world. And with the price, comes a grand spiritual journey for two families coming together as one. Here I will be sharing a basic south Indian wedding and its rituals leading up to the big day.

As Indians, every tradition or ritual has a strong meaning or reasoning behind it. This is one of the reasons why I am so proud to be Indian. We are so full of culture and tradition and values in life. This gives purpose to us.

A wedding day is one of the biggest days of an Indian's life. Every step is taken lightly and carefully for this day. An Indian wedding has a pre-wedding ceremony, the wedding day ceremony as well as post wedding celebrations. Here I will take you on the steps of a south Indian wedding. Back in the days, arranged marriage was the way of the Indian household. Once a girl reaches her puberty, a groom is matched with her based on their birthday and birth time. In this current generation, arranged marriage is not much practiced and couples are all marrying from love interest. Let's dive in!

1. Engagement.

An engagement ceremony is usually conducted between both families months prior to the wedding.

The dowry system is no longer practiced in Malaysia. In fact the grooms side comes to propose with a certain amount of trays. Usually minimum 5 trays and the numbers can go up. Each tray is filled with one type of item. Decorated coconuts, sweets, the engagement saree, jewelries, betel nut, fruits and flowers are the basic but modern times have seen other items like make up, chocolates, candy, added to the list.

Engagement trays. At least 5 trays, and there's no maximum limit.

2. Nalangu

It is a blessing ceremony done for both bride and groom. This ceremony is an ancient Vedic ritual done to invoke the energies of the elements in order for the newly weds to have a bountiful union.

It involves the use of sandalwood, scented water, oil, air, rice in tumeric and fire. These represent different elements. A mortar and pestle is also used to bless the couple. This ceremony is done separately in their respective homes. The couple are forbidden to see each other for a week before the wedding.

The ceremony is usually a fun filled family affair with laughter especially when the sandalwood is generously applied on the faces of the bride and the groom.

Spreading tumeric on the bride's face.

3. Wedding Ceremony

The wedding is a grand affair. Steeped in vedic tradition, a priest presides over the ceremony. Lord Ganesha is invoked and Agni the Deva of fire is invited to bear witness on the holy matrimony.
The union is solemnised with the tying of 3 knots around the brides neck. Traditionally a special thread is used although in certain communities a gold chain is used. Rings are also exchanged. Another unique feature is the wearing of toe rings. This is unique only in the Hindu community.

The newly weds then prostrate before their parents and elders for blessings. Blessings are usually confered with the showering of flowers petals and tumeric stained uncooked rice.

All in a simple wedding will only take 2 hours.

fun game of finding the ring to break nervousness between the couple. This was introduced because of the arranged marriage system so couples had to break the ice by small games like this.