Chettiar

Mappillai (Groom) Azhaippu (to invite) means inviting the groom to the bride’s house or the Kalyana mandapam (wedding hall). This event is a traditional welcome to the Chettiar groom and family prior to the wedding. On the day of the marriage, the family of the groom arrives at the bride's town or village. But they do not stay or visit the bride's house as traditionally the bride and groom are not supposed to see each other before the wedding. Usually, they wait at a community hall or a temple and wait to be invited by the bride's family.

Worshipping the ancestors and family members who are no longer alive is a culture that has been followed all over the world. The same is true in Tamil Nadu India culture too. A ‘Podhu’ or general Padaippu is an event in Tamil Chettiar Matrimony where different families gather to honour their ancestors whereas a Veedu Padaippu is conducted for a marriage where a single-family honour their ancestors prior to the wedding to seek their blessings. The meaning of the word Padaippu in English is 'offering' and the word 'Veedu' is a house.

This is one of the few pre-wedding rituals that take place during a Chettiar wedding. After finalizing the marriage date, Muhurta Kaal Undruthal is done four to five days before the wedding. This is the first pooja that officially starts off the wedding rituals. A pundit or priest is invited to perform the pooja. It is usually conducted in the presence of 9 married elderly ladies of the family.

Procedure for Muhurtha Kaal Undruthal Ritual in Tamil Chettiar Wedding 

The Tamil Chettiar community has many rituals that are followed by strict discipline. They are a business keen group of people who are very strong in their beliefs and cultural traditions. The wedding ceremonies are elaborate and go on for many days. Each ceremony has great significance and meaning. These functions are meant for the prosperity and bright future of the new couple. The weddings bring the families together and all the functions are held with great pomp and splendour.