The wedding of Aditi & Sundeep
A Telugu wedding, a traditional Indian wedding ceremony of the Telugu people, is a multi-day event filled with vibrant rituals and customs. Key pre-wedding rituals include Pellikuthuru (turmeric paste application) and Snathakam (a purifying bath). The main ceremony includes Mangalya Dharana (tying of the sacred thread), Jeelakarra Bellam (a paste of cumin and jaggery), Saptapadi (seven steps), and Talambralu (rice showering). Post-wedding, the bride’s Grahapravesam (entry into the groom’s home) marks the beginning of her new life.
Pre-Wedding Rituals:
- Pellikuthuru: This ritual involves applying a turmeric paste to the bride, believed to purify the body and bring a radiant glow.
- Snathakam: The bride and groom take a purifying bath before the wedding ceremony.
- Nischayathartham: This is the engagement ceremony where the couple exchanges rings.
Wedding Ceremony:
- Muhurtham: The auspicious time for the wedding, determined by the couple’s horoscopes.
- Jeelakarra Bellam: A paste of cumin and jaggery is applied to each other’s heads by the bride and groom while mantras are chanted.
- Mangalya Dharana: The groom ties the Mangalya Sutra (sacred thread) around the bride’s neck, symbolizing their bond.
- Saptapadi: The couple takes seven steps together, with each step representing a vow.
- Talambralu: Family and friends shower the couple with rice, symbolizing good luck and prosperity.
- Arundhati Nakshatram: The groom points out the Arundhati and Vasishtha stars to the bride, symbolizing marital unity.
- Madhuparakam: The bride and groom wear special white clothes with a colored border.
Post-Wedding Rituals:
- Grahapravesam: The bride’s formal entry into the groom’s home, where she is welcomed by his family.
- Ungarala Aata: A fun game where the couple searches for a ring in water, symbolizing teamwork and facing life’s challenges together
- Pradhanam: A ceremony with a pot of milk and rose petals, with a submerged gold ring, adding to the playful atmosphere
