November 26th
6:00 AM
Vratham
The Vratham ceremony marks the groom entering the next stage or ashram of his life, from Brahmacharya (bachelorhood) to Grihasta (householder).
The ceremony is separately performed by both the bride and the groom. Mantras are chanted to seek protection of the gods – Indra, Agni, Chandra, and Soma. Kappu (holy thread) is tied on the bride’s wrist to protect her from all evil.
Attire: Traditional Indian semi-formal
7:30 AM
Naandhi
Brahmins are invited and honoured with sweets and gifts in this ceremony. Both the families seek the blessings of these Brahmins who are believed to represent the ancestors of the groom and the bride.
10:30 AM
Haldi
Turmeric paste, often mixed with sandalwood, rose water, and other ingredients, is applied to the bride and groom's body. The "Haldi" is believed to cleanse, purify, and bless the couple as they prepare for their wedding day. It also imparts a natural glow to the skin, symbolizing prosperity and auspiciousness. The ceremony is filled with laughter, music, and the vibrant colors of turmeric, signifying the beginning of the wedding festivities.
Attire: Indian / Indo Fusion in colors of Yellow, orange and hot pink
5:30 PM
Jaana Vaasam
Janavasam is a lively pre-wedding ceremony that highlights the cultural richness of Tamil Brahmin traditions. It marks the groom's grand arrival, bringing together families in celebration. The festivities typically start at a temple near the wedding venue, where the groom, dressed in attire gifted by the bride’s family, is transported in an open car, accompanied by joyful music from the nadaswaram, a traditional wind instrument.
Upon reaching the wedding hall, the bride’s family warmly welcomes the groom with traditional offerings. These include flowers, coconuts, and ‘thamboolam’, which features betel leaves, betel nuts, and fruits and coconuts , symbolizing prosperity and good wishes. This heartfelt reception not only honors the groom but also unites the two families, setting a celebratory tone for the auspicious wedding ceremony to come.
Attire: Formal - Indian traditional/Fusion
7:00 PM
Nichchiyadhartham
Nichayathartham is the official engagement ceremony in Tamil Brahmin marriages. It begins with Ganesh Pooja to remove all obstacles. In the presence of the close family and friends, the family exchanges the ‘Thamboolam’ , a tray filled with betel leaves, betel nuts, fruits and coconuts and the priest prepares and reads a Lagna Patrika, which serves as the official proclamation of the wedding’s date, time, and location in front of the assembled guests.
The bride is gifted a new sari and jewels by the groom’s family and adorned with a chandan and kumkum tilak. The Brides family honors the the groom with brand new clothes and gifts as well.
Attire: Formal - Indian traditional/Fusion
November 27th
7:30 AM
Kasi Yatra
Kasiyatra is another important pre wedding ritual. After completing the Brahmacharya ashram, the groom is faced with two options – either to pursue a married life of a Grihasta ( a householder) or to take Sanyas (asceticism).
Under this ritual, the groom begins his journey to Kashi as an ascetic with his humble belongings (slippers, bamboo, fan, umbrella, etc.). The groom is interrupted by the bride’s father, who convinces him of the merits of a married life and promises the companionship of his daughter.
Attire: Formal - Traditional indian
8:00 AM
Malai Matral (Exchanging Garlands)
This is a fun ceremony, where the groom and bride exchange their garlands thrice. Friends and relatives of the bride and groom join them, helping them, or making it a little tough to exchange garlands. Their friends and family lift them too to add to the fun!
Attire: Formal - Traditional indian
9:00 AM
Oonjal
An Oonjal is a beautifully decorated swing on which the marrying couple sit together and swing forth and back. They are surrounded by ladies who sing songs praising the couple (Laali).
The swinging chains are a representation of the unbreakable bond with the divine, and the swaying motion illustrates the ebb and flow of life. The ceremony symbolizes that despite these fluctuations, the couple can find peace and stability together.
Attire: Formal - Traditional indian
10:00 AM
Kanya Dhaanam
The bride sits on her father’s lap, holding a coconut, a symbol of their shared love and commitment. Together, they offer it to the groom, while her mother gently pours water over it, infusing the moment with deep emotion and blessings.
In a beautiful gesture, the groom’s parents present the bride with a stunning nine-yard sari (Koorai Podavai), which she gracefully wears for the tying of the mangalsutra. This poignant moment is underscored by the groom’s heartfelt assurance to the bride’s father, promising to cherish and support his daughter with unwavering companionship as they embark on this new journey together.
Attire: Formal - Traditional indian
10:45 AM
Kankana Dharanam
In a traditional Tamil Brahmin wedding ceremony, the bride ties a string around the groom’s wrist which is wrapped with a piece of turmeric.
This symbolises a religious vow binding them together. Only after the groom’s wrist is tied with the Kankanam can he touch the bride. Afterwards, the groom also gets to tie a Kankanam on the bride’s wrist.
Attire: Formal - Traditional indian
11:00 AM
Maangalya Dharanam
The bride returns, resplendent in her Koorai Podavai, a special nine-yard saree, and once again sits on her father’s lap, embodying the love and warmth of her family. The ‘Mangalya’ or ‘Mangal Sutra’ consists of two pieces of gold—one from her father and one from the groom’s family—carefully designed according to their traditions. These pieces are arranged on a yellow thread and tied around the bride’s neck in three knots. The groom ties the first knot, symbolizing his commitment, while his sister lovingly ties the remaining two.
As the Mangalya is tied, the atmosphere fills with the uplifting sounds of the ‘Nadaswaram’ and ‘Ketti melam,’ creating a joyful crescendo. Relatives and guests shower the newlyweds with ‘akshadhai’—rice smeared in turmeric—and vibrant flowers, celebrating their union.
In a meaningful ritual, the groom wraps a rope made of ‘dharba’ grass (Kusha grass) around the bride’s hip, praying for her to be blessed with good health, children, wealth, and prosperity. Holding her right hand, he leads her to sit in front of Agni, the sacred fire, where vows are exchanged. As a final touch, his sister adorns the bride with silver toe rings (Metti), marking the beginning of their beautiful journey together.
11:15 AM
Paani Grahanam
A Ritual moment capture in Brahmin wedding photography
Paani Grahanam translates to “holding hands”. In this small ritual, the groom and bride hold each other’s hand while mantras are chanted. Until the mantras are read completely, they must not leave each other’s hand.
11:30 AM
Saptha Padhi
A marriage is said to be completed legally only after the ceremony of Saptha Padhi or seven steps. Holding hands, the bride and groom walk seven steps together. The seven steps represent their companionship and friendship for life.
11:30 AM
Ammi Midithal
Ammi Midithal is a Tamil wedding ritual where the bride steps on a grindstone, with the help of the groom. Stepping on the stone a Mantra is chanted where it is prayed that the bride’s mind be as firm and strong as a rock to handle challenges of married life.
5:30 PM
Kaapi with the Kouple
The evening after the wedding ceremony is a delightful celebration that warmly welcomes the newlyweds in authentic Tamil style. Guests gather to savor the rich flavors of traditional Kaapi (South Indian filter coffee) alongside crispy Bhajji (vegetable fritters).
The air buzzes with lively conversations as friends and family capture joyful moments through pictures, creating lasting memories filled with fun and laughter. This heartwarming occasion beautifully marks the beginning of the couple’s new journey together, surrounded by love and cherished connections.
Attire: Semi formal