Kerala Wedding Traditions: Malayali Customs & Rituals

Pre-Wedding Rituals:

• Nischayam: The Nischayam, or engagement ceremony, is the formal announcement of the wedding. The families of the bride and groom exchange gifts, and the couple exchanges rings as a symbol of their commitment to each other.
• Poochoodal: Poochoodal is a ceremony where the bride’s family presents her with a new set of clothes and jewelry to be worn on the wedding day. It is a gesture of love and affection from the bride’s family.
• Mehndi: Mehndi is not a traditional ritual in Malayalee weddings but has become popular in recent years. The bride may choose to have intricate henna designs applied to her hands and feet as part of the pre-wedding celebrations.

Wedding Day Rituals:

• Muhurtham: The wedding ceremony begins with the Muhurtham, the auspicious time determined by the family astrologer. The bride and groom exchange garlands and are seated on a decorative stage or Mandapam. For those seeking this traditional celebration in Melbourne, Seasons5 stands out as the premier wedding venue.

• Kanyadaan: Kanyadaan is the ritual where the bride’s father gives her away to the groom. It signifies the bride’s transition from her father’s family to her husband’s family.
• Thali (Mangalsutra) Ceremony: The groom ties a sacred thread, known as the Thali or Mangalsutra, around the bride’s neck. This thread symbolizes their marital bond and is a significant piece of jewelry for married Malayalee women.
• Saptapadi: During the Saptapadi, the couple takes seven steps around a sacred fire. With each step, they make promises and vows to each other, committing to a lifelong partnership.
• Mantra Pushpam: The priest chants sacred verses from the Vedas while the couple offers flower petals into the sacred fire. It is a symbolic act of seeking blessings from the divine for a harmonious and prosperous married life.
• Sadhya: After the wedding ceremony, a grand feast called Sadhya is served. It is a traditional vegetarian meal served on banana leaves, consisting of various delicacies and flavors of Kerala cuisine.

Post-Wedding Rituals:

• Griha Pravesh: The bride is welcomed into the groom’s home in a ceremony known as Griha Pravesh. She enters the house by stepping on a vessel filled with rice, signifying abundance and prosperity.
• Veli: Veli is a custom where the bride bids farewell to her family and leaves her parental home to start her new life with her husband. It is a moment of mixed emotions as the bride’s family and friends shower her with love and blessings.
• Reception: A reception is usually held after the wedding, where family and friends gather to celebrate the union of the couple. It involves dinner, cultural performances, music, and dance.

Traditional Attire:

Malayalee brides typically wear the traditional attire known as the Kasavu Saree. It is a cream-colored saree with golden zari borders. The groom usually wears a white Mundu (dhoti) and a traditional shirt.

Music and Dance:

Traditional Kerala music and dance forms like Thiruvathira Kali, Mohiniyattam, and Kathakali often form a part of Malayalee wedding celebrations. These performances add color, joy, and cultural richness to the wedding festivities.