WEDDING PICTURES
(The Preliminary Invocation)
During a marriage, Lord Ganesha, the remover of all obstacles,
is invoked to keep away all impediments.

The ceremonies begin with "VRATHAM" performed,separately by the bride
and the groom. A holy thread, "Kappu" is tied on the bride's wrist, which is
meant to ward of evil spirits. It symbolizes a protective armor.
For the groom, Vratham begins with invocations, involving the Gods
Indra, Soma, Chandra and Agni.
The groom prepares himself for a new chapter in his life as a householder or
"Grihasta". He accepts that his days of Brahmacharya are over.

"KASI YATRA" is a very
important part of the
ceremony. After his
student life, the
bachelor has two
alternatives - Grihasta
and "Sanyasa
(Asceticism)".
Being by nature, a "Satwik
(a holy and pure state of
body and mind)", due to
strict adherence of
bachelorhood and
austerities, he is drawn
towards asceticism.
Therefore he makes his
way to Kasi
(the most holy
place of pilgrimage for
Hindus) with slippers,
umbrella, bamboo fan etc.

The bride's father
intervenes and advises him
of the superiority of
married life over ascetic
life. He also promises his
daughter as a companion to
face the challenges of life.
The umbrella remains with
the groom, to remind him
of his advice.

"MALAI MATHAL" - The bride and groom are
lifted on to the shoulders of their
maternal uncles. This expresses
continuing sibling support to
their mothers. In that position,
they garland each other thrice for
a complete union. In the "Shastras
(holy scriptures)", this symbolizes
their unification, as one soul in two bodies.

"OOONCHAL" - The couple sit on a swing.
They rock forth and back, as women
sing songspraising the couple.
The bride and groom are fed a
concoction of milk, sugar and banana.
Water and lit lamps are circulated
around the swing and coloured globules
of cooked rice are waved in circular
motion and thrown away to guard against evil.
The chains of the swing signify the
"Karmic (relating to karma or deeds)" link
with God. The rocking motion represents the
undulating waves of life. Yet in mind and
body they shall move in harmony - steady and stable.

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