Weddings are all things sacred - starting from the decision to live a life together, all the way to the jewellery adorned and artefacts used in the rituals, the Ashtamangalyam set is one such relic that represents prosperity, good fortune and is considered auspicious during such events. Predominant in almost every Kerala household, it is used during special occasions and festivals alike. The Kerala Nair community is known to use the Ashtamangalyam set extensively.

Another important ritual in a Brahmin marriage is the Pradana Homam. This is a ritual to offer respect to Agni, the God of Fire. 

The wedding attire for women who are getting married is the famous Kasavu Saree. It has to be plain white with a golden border. This saree is considered as the most precious and auspicious among all her saree collection and is worn again only on special family occasions. 

Thaleluarieduva: Receiving Blessings from Elders 

The Kerala marriage style is simple and there are many small rituals that make it unique when compared to other weddings. Among those small but essential rituals is the Thaleluarieduva where Thala is head, Ari is rice and eduva is to get blessings. It is a ritual that is held separately in the bride's and groom's house. It is a custom of receiving blessings for weddings from elders. 

Dibbane means marriage procession and is similar to the Baraat in North Indian weddings. It is a fun-filled tradition where the groom's relatives let their hair down, dance and sing and get captured on a wedding video. 

What happens at the Dibbane Procession at Kannada Gowda Weddings?
Before the start of the procession, there is a custom of performing puja to the vehicle that carries the Dibbane. Kumkum, turmeric, and coconut are broken in front of the vehicle and an Aarti is done by the elder ladies to bless the wedding. 

The Nail Trimming Ceremony
Uguru Madichuva Shastra in English means cutting the nail ceremony. This is a unique ritual conducted in the Kannada Gowda marriages where a barber will cut the groom’s hair, trim his nails and give him a shave on the day of the wedding. The barber in return will get cash and clothes, rice, coconut, and bananas as a gift for his service. 

Tying the Kankana or also known as the Kankana Dharane is another important ritual performed before the wedding. A Kankana is a sacred thread which is smeared with turmeric and is tied around both the girl and the boy’s wrist to invoke God’s blessings. The ritual is performed separately in the respective houses of bride and groom. Both the bride and bridegroom wear this sacred thread and it is among the interesting pre-wedding rituals. 

After performing the Gauri pooja and taking Goddess Parvati to be her model, the bride is brought to the Mantapa by her maternal uncle for the next ritual.  Read on to understand the significance of Antarpata and Varmala Ritual: 

Honouring the Groom And His Family

Seeking Blessings From The Lord
After the wedding date is fixed, the first major function conducted in a Madhwa marriage is the Devara Samaraadhane which is essentially offering prayers, singing Kannada songs and seeking blessings from the ‘Family Deity’ for the marriage event to be conducted successfully. This ritual is conducted by both the bride and the groom’s family separately.