Malayalee weddings are known for its simplicity and spirituality. It is not elaborate and lavish but is a wonderful treat for the eyes. The Malayalee weddings are carried out in Kerala. The beautiful country of Kerala adds an essence of purity to the entire event. The wedding ceremony is performed according to an auspicious Muhurtham.

The amazing part about Malayalee weddings is that they last for a short period of time and are performed in a corner of the wedding venue. Temples are mostly chosen as wedding destinations. Friends and relatives from both the families attend the wedding ceremonies. They are simple yet very enjoyable. Malayalee weddings are divided into pre, post and wedding day ceremonies.

The Malayalee wedding rituals begin with matching the horoscope of both the bride and the groom. Horoscope matching is an important part of the wedding. The priest then finalizes an auspicious date for the wedding. The engagement ceremony called the Nischayam is then carried out. This ritual is a formal announcement made by the elders of the family for the marriage. The bride and the groom are not present on this event. A grand and lavish feast is arranged at the bride’s house. It is a traditional five-course vegetarian meal. The bride takes the meal with her family.

Malayalee weddings are colorful and enthusiastic. They are short but are a treat for all the guests. Madhuparkam is the first ritual that is performed to begin the wedding. The bride drapes a two piece sari called the Mundu on her wedding. She is adorned with flowers and jewelry. The groom is dressed in a traditional white dhoti and the angavastram. The groom is welcomed by the bride’s father who washes his feet. The groom presents a white sari to the bride’s father. The bride is supposed to wear this sari for all the wedding ceremonies.

Veil is a ritual where the couple takes three rounds around the sacred fire. Taali is a sacred knot that is tied by the groom. It is strung to a yellow thread that the groom ties around the bride’s neck. The bride’s father then hand over’s his daughter’s responsibility to the groom. This is known as the Kanyadaanam or Penkoda. This is followed by the Sparsham. According to this ritual, the couple is asked to touch each other’s forehead. This marks the coming together of two minds. The bride offers puffed rice in the sacred fire and the groom then places her foot on the grinding stone. This indicates the breaking of old ties and the beginning of a new life. The wedding ceremony is followed by delicious and lavish feast. This traditional feast or Sadhya is served on banana leaves.

Rituals continue even after the wedding. The bride and the groom are welcomed with lamps. This is called the Kudivep. The bride receives a warm welcome when she arrives at the groom’s house. This is called the Grihpravesh. This brings an end to the Malayalee wedding rituals.