Separate ceremonies for the bride and groom. The groom formally takes his father's blessing to leave behind his bachelor life and begin life as a husband. The bride receives a sacred protective thread. Both are ritually prepared for the wedding.
Guests arrive and are welcomed with a South Indian breakfast as the hall fills with family and friends from near and far.
In a beloved tradition, the groom — dressed in his wedding finery and carrying an umbrella — dramatically announces he is leaving for Kashi (Varanasi) to become a monk. The bride's father intercepts him, praises his wisdom, and offers his daughter in marriage instead. The groom, persuaded, turns back. It always gets laughs.
The bride and groom sit together on a decorated swing. The women of both families take turns sprinkling milk on their feet, waving away evil with coloured rice, and carrying lamps around the couple — all while singing traditional songs. It is joyful, musical, and one of the most visually beautiful moments of the day.
The emotional heart of the ceremony. The bride sits on her father's lap as he formally places her hands into the groom's. Her mother pours a continuous stream of water over their joined hands — the "Dharai." This is the moment the bride's family formally entrusts her to her new family. Tears are expected.
The groom's family gifts the bride her nine-yard wedding saree — a breathtaking piece of Kanchipuram silk. She goes to change into it for the most important moment of the day.
The most sacred moment of the wedding. Karthik ties the thaali — the sacred gold pendant — around Aishu's neck with three knots. The nadaswaram (a traditional wind instrument) plays at full volume to fill the hall with auspicious sound. This is the moment they become husband and wife.
Together, Aishu and Karthik take seven steps around the sacred fire — one step for each vow: nourishment, strength, prosperity, happiness, children, health, and lifelong friendship. In Tamil tradition, it is said: "When one walks seven steps with another, one becomes the other's friend forever." The marriage is complete.
The couple continues with concluding fire rituals at the sacred fire. These are intimate — the immediate family gathers at the homa kunda while guests are invited to lunch.
A traditional Kerala feast served on a fresh banana leaf — over a dozen vegetarian dishes arranged in a specific order, eaten by hand. Expect rice, sambar, avial, olan, payasam, and more. Pure vegetarian, made with love, and utterly delicious.
The newly married couple prostrates before every elder in the room. Each elder places their hands on the couple's heads and offers their blessings. It is the moment the son bows before his parents with his wife beside him for the first time — quietly one of the most moving moments of the day.
Aishu and Karthik would love a photo with you. Come find them at the mandapam — the hall is still decorated and the light is beautiful.
A wonderfully chaotic tradition to close the wedding. The bride and groom play games against each other — anointing feet, breaking papads over each other's heads, rolling coconuts — while the women of both families sing teasing songs about the couple and their in-laws. Very funny. Very loud. Not to be missed.
Aishu and Karthik depart for their new home together. In a final ritual, the bride enters the threshold for the first time as a married woman — kicking a small vessel of rice with her right foot to bring abundance, leaving auspicious footprints at the door. A beautiful ending to a beautiful day.