Wedding Rituals

The Nalangu ceremony is yet another major pre-wedding ceremony of  Vanniyar  Tamil matrimony rituals. This ceremony is carried out separately for the bride and groom before they head towards the main ceremony. 

Each of them is made to sit on a plank. There will be a group of 5 women waiting to smear them with oil. A culm of grass (Cynodon Dactylon) is used for smearing the oil. Then Green gram paste is applied too. Arathi is done and turmeric water is also sprinkled. 

The wedding rituals in the Tamil Vanniyar community give much importance to detail and exhibit perfection in every manner. The wedding dais is the venue where the main ceremonies and rituals take place. This is a stage that needs to be artistically and authentically decorated. 

The wedding rituals in a Tamil Vanniyar Kshatriyar family are grand and celebrated with pomp and show. The traditional customs and ceremonies depict the presence of a golden heritage of culture and pride. Most of the wedding ceremonies in earlier days used to prolong to three to four days. It was a time when the whole family would get together and enjoy a great time together. These days, as everyone is pressed for time, the main rituals are carried out and the celebrations have been shortened to 1-2 days. However, there is no shortage of festivity and joy.

The Tamil Vanniyar Kula Kshatriyas represent a society that has worked hard to bring in a transition into modernisation. They are people who are proud of their rich cultural heritage and have taught their descendants the value of preserving ancient traditions. At the same time, they have made immense progress in all fields today. Some of the Tamil wedding rituals are a perfect example of the blend between the phases of transitional progress. The Vanniars are also known as Pallis in different regions.

The Tamil Vanniyar Kula Kshatriyas is a very strong community as they belong to a lineage of proud warriors. They are equipped in exhibiting bravery and courage all through their lives. The wedding rituals are also unique and show the grandeur of an exquisite heritage.

Tamil Vanniyar Kula Kshatriyar Community takes pride in following their traditional customs and rituals at every occasion. In the earlier days, the weddings were a three to six days ceremony with elaborate rituals and numerous functions. Now, due to time constraints, the number of days has reduced and is limited to 1-2 days. However, all the important rituals are still being followed with the same integrity. 

The post-wedding reception in a Tamil Mudaliyar community is a time for relaxation and happiness. After conducting many rituals and customs according to their age-old beliefs, the reception comes as a time to enjoy and be light. The reception, under normal circumstances, is conducted on the evening of the wedding. After all the rituals and welcoming the bride to the new home, a time is fixed for the wedding reception.

A wedding is a joyous occasion wherein all family members come together and rejoice. Tamil Mudaliyar weddings are special events filled with traditional customs as well as lots of fun. Each ceremony is packed with meaningful rituals aimed at gaining the maximum blessings for the newly wedded couple. The post-wedding ritual of Maru veedu is an important function that is conducted mainly to welcome the bride into the Groom’s residence. Maru means another and veedu means house. It is also commonly known as Grivapravesham - the bride’s first entry into her in-law’s house. 

One of the Mudaliyar wedding rituals that are conducted with great fanfare is the Sammandhi Mariyathai. This ritual is performed after the completion of another ritual called the Sesha. 

What Happens in Sammandhi Mariyathai Ritual in Tamil Mudaliyar Weddings?
The Sammandhi Mariyathai is an event where both families show their gratitude for completing a marriage successfully. It is also an ice-breaker where both family relatives get together and share gifts and appreciate the effort put in to conduct this marriage. 

A lighted lamp, however small or large, is an auspicious sight in all Hindu weddings. All rituals are conducted in the presence of the Holy fire. It is said that the light is proof of happiness and paves the way for a bright future for the new couple.