Kerala Marriages, kerala matrimony, Hindu Marriages in Kerala

In Hindu religion, a wedding is viewed as a holy sacrament which can direct the individual passion and instincts into the progress of souls. Kerala matrimony depicts the rich culture and age old traditions passed down from generations. The pre wedding rituals in kerala marriage starts with the exchanging of horoscopes. In a kerala marriage, “Nakshatra Porutham” or the matching of stars is regarded as the first step that culminates in a marriage. Once the star matching is confirmed, the elder relatives of the boy formally approach the girl’s family. If they are satisfied with the situations and financial status of the girl, it is time for the boy to evaluate and ascertain the facts by visiting the girl’s family. After the boy approves the girl, the family of the girl is invited to visit the boy’s house. After the consent for wedding is conveyed, “Muhurtam” or the auspicious day of wedding is fixed by the astrologers. A vast majority of people in kerala marriage, opt for an engagement ceremony before the wedding. Relatives of both sides participate for the function. A ring will be exchanged between the bride and groom and in some cases, letters are interchanged between the two families. A feast will be conducted after the engagement ceremony. Lately, in kerala matrimony, a “Valayidal” ceremony has started among upper class families. This ceremony is held before noon on an auspicious date set by the astrologer. During this function, gold bangles are put on the hand of the girl by would-be mother-in-law.

On the wedding day, the groom arrives in a traditional “Angavastram” or “dhoti”and the bride is attired in a costly wedding saree. The bride’s father washes the feet of the groom and he is welcomed. “Veli” or nuptial ceremony precedes and the bridegroom circles the sacred fire three times. The groom ties “Thaali” around the neck of bride. Thereafter, the bride’s hand is given to groom and the ceremony is called “Kanyadaan”. Now the groom sits in front of the bride and tilts head towards back to touch the bride’s forehead. This ceremony is termed “Sparsham”. Thereafter, the bride offers “Laja” or puffed rice to the fire amidst chanting of mantras. The bride’s palms are placed in her husband’s hands and pujas are peformed. Finally, the groom lifts and places the bride’s feet on the “Ammi”(a grinding stone) which signifies breaking of ties with her old family. It is the observance of these age old customs that makes a kerala marriage unique. After the wedding feast in a kerala marriage, the bride leaves for her new home and a “Grihapravesh” ceremony is conducted. The bride holds a “Nilavilakku” and she has to place her right leg first while entering the house. “Grihastha Ashram”, the second stage in the life of man begins after wedding. Kerala matrimony is a life long commitment of husband and wife. The uniqueness of kerala marriage lies in the observance of sanctity and truth. Websites assisting kerala matrimony are in great demand nowadays and the applicants need to register in these sites beforehand for a kerala marriage.