Kannada wedding and its traditional customs and rituals!

Kannada Weddings are held in Mandaps and the Wedding Rituals during the actual ceremony are Mandap Puja, Dhare Herdu, and finally the Saptapadi.
GahoiMumbai.com is delighted to provide an insight to these Kannada traditions…

Kannada weddings are the marriages conducted in the state of Karnataka. In recital, Kannada marriage resembles the traditional Hindu marriage. However, the customs and traditions observed do differ according to the region they are practiced in. As a matter of act of fact there is not much difference and the rituals are simple. This provides plentiful opportunity to the families to enjoy the occasion.

In a characteristic Kannada Marriage, there are pre-wedding, wedding and post-wedding rituals that are generally adhered to. In the pre-wedding rituals, there are rituals like Nandi, Nischay Tamulam, Havan, and Kaashi Yatre. Weddings are held in Mandaps and the Kannada Wedding Rituals during the actual ceremony are Mandap Puja, Dhare Herdu, and finally the Saptapadi. We are giving below the information about the wedding rituals of a Kannada wedding.

Pre Wedding Rituals in Kannada Wedding:

In Karnataka, the pre wedding rituals start with Naandi custom. It is followed by Kaashi Yatre tradition. After that, all the items for marriage are placed in front of Lord Ganesha to seek his blessings. This is called Dev Karya ceremony. After this, both the bride and the groom are applied turmeric paste. Pre wedding rituals are in details below.

A Pre Wedding Ritual – Nischay Tamulam:

The Kannada Wedding Rituals are followed before, during and after the marriage. The Nischay Tamulam is the engagement ceremony where betel leaves and betel nut is offered to the bride’s father. The groom’s parents offer the bride sari, coconut, blouse and sweets.

A Pre Wedding Ritual – Naandi custom:

It is performed by both the bride and the groom in their houses. It is done to ensure the marriage takes place uninterruptedly. The blessings of god are taken for a trouble free marriage ceremony.

A Pre Wedding Ritual – Kaashi Yatre tradition: 

It is an interesting ritual, wherein the groom pretends of leaving for Kashi as he is devoid of a suitable bride. He only stops when his maternal uncle shows him the bride he has chosen for him.

A Pre Wedding Ritual – Dev Karya ceremony: 

Just before the groom leaves for the bride’s village, all the items for wedding are placed in front of Lord Ganesha to seek his blessings.

After this, both the bride and the groom are applied turmeric paste.

Wedding Rituals and Traditions in Kannada Wedding:

A Wedding Ritual – Mandap Puja

On the wedding day the first ritual is Mandap puja, according to which the mandap and the hall where the wedding is to be conducted are purified.

A Wedding Ritual – Var Puja

After Mandap Puja the bride’s father worships the groom by washing his feet. This is known as Var puja. This is followed by bride’s entry to the mandap. Here, they exchange garlands on the chant of holy mantras.

A Wedding Ritual – Dhare Herdu 

Next is the Dhare Herdu custom, wherein the bride’s parents give away her daughter to the groom, by placing a coconut and betel over their hands and pouring holy water. Then the groom ties mangalsutra around bride’s neck.

A Wedding Ritual – Saptapadi

After this, Saptapadi ceremony is held and the couple takes seven rounds around the sacred fire.

Post Wedding Rituals in Kannada Wedding: 

A Post Wedding Ritual – Griha Pravesh

After the marriage, when the bride comes to her marital home, she is given a warm welcome by her in-laws. A vessel filled with rice is kept at the entrance of the house and she is asked to knock it inside the house, with her right foot. After this, the bride enters the house and this is called Griha Pravesh.

A Post Wedding Ritual – Name Change Ceremony

After this is the name change ceremony, in which the groom decides a name for his wife. He then inscribes it with a ring on a plate, containing rice.

On the second day after wedding, the bride’s parents visit the newlywed couple. They then take the couple to their home along with themselves. The couple stays there for some days after which the groom’s family goes to the bride’s house to take them back. The Reception party concludes the marriage, which is organized in a banquet hall by the groom’s family. The main aim of this party is introduction of the bride, enjoyment, and relishing mouthwatering delicacies.

Distinctive Features:

Kannada Wedding Rituals are interesting and very suitable. One of the pre-wedding rituals called Kaashi Yatra is quite interesting because in this ritual the groom yearning for a bride pretends to be angry and starts packing for a journey to Kashi, which is a pilgrimage city. Then the maternal uncle asks him to refrain and promises that he will have his bride. The vidaai and the graha pravesh rituals are also important as they signify the couple’s entrance into wedded life.

If you need any help regarding Kannada wedding ceremony or Kannada Wedding Management, please leave your message about your dates, ideas and budget plans at our Wedding Help Centre.

 

All this information is free and only for informational purpose.