Gowda

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.