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.
Significance of Thaleluarieduva Ritual in Kerala Brahmin Iyer or Bhattar Weddings
The families of the bride and groom invite all the elders of the family including the older cousins of the couple and are asked to bless them with a happy married life. This event is done either on the day of the wedding or a day before the marriage and is dependent on the time of the Muhurtham.
There is a great significance attached to this custom of touching the feet of elders like parents, teachers, grandparents, older cousins, etc. Usually, these people have a thorough knowledge and experience, having gained great insights into the realities of life. Their blessings will hence be powerful and benefit those who seek it. Moreover, anyone who is older than you should be respected as per Indian tradition and hence this pre-wedding ritual of seeking blessings from elders is a must-have in all Kerala Brahmin weddings.
An interesting aspect is that the bride and the groom have to be blessed even by their older cousins. Rice or ‘Ari’ is sprinkled over the heads of the girl and the boy as they touch the feet of the elders in their respective families.