Malayalee wedding is a popular wedding type of South India.
It is held in Kerala. It is distinct from other forms of Indian weddings. They
are short and simple. The preparation of wedding begins well before the
ceremony a few weeks or even months prior to the marriage. This is done so that no rituals are
left and the wedding goes on smoothly. Malayalee Wedding ceremony is full of
fun and recreation. Close relatives and friends participate in the various
ceremonies. The weddings are often performed in a north western room or a
corner of the marriage venue. In other words most of the rituals are conducted
from the temples of the villages. The key focus is on spirituality. The friends, relatives and the family
member attend the pre-wedding celebrations to shower the blessings on the
couple.
Nakshatra Porutham
or matching of stars
This is the first step before marriage. When there is
confirmation that the horoscopes match 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.
Muhurtham
If the result of Nakshatra Porutham is postive the family of
bride and the groom they go to their family astrologer to fix an auspicious
time so that the engagement and wedding ceremonial are carried out
smoothly.This auspicious time is known as Muhurtham.
Nischayam or
engagement ceremony
It is the engagement ceremony. It organized at the ancestral
house of the bride. In these function family members announce the confirmation
of marriage formally. A ring will be exchanged between the bride and groom and
in some cases, letters are interchanged between the two families. All the
family members and close relatives of both the sides are present there. The
nishchaya thaamboolam or the engagement thali is exchanged by the parents of
the bride and the groom, on the ceremony.
Traditional Feast
One day prior to the wedding all guests are called at the
bride’s home and traditional food is served. The bride is made to sit facing
the East and is also served a vegetarian meal for five days. Before traditional
feast the bride along with their family visit a nearby temple to offers prayers
to the god and seek blessings. These
rituals are also conducted at the groom’s home too.