Indian Wedding: Tamil Ceremony

I think one of the greatest aspects of being a wedding photographer is the witnessing of many age old traditions. We photographers participate in our own unique way – as visual documentarians of life’s treasured moments. Photographers have become an essential part in the world’s many sacred and beautiful types of wedding rituals. Today, almost no one will not have their wedding photographed in some regard.

However, some of these rituals can be unfamiliar to me at times (after all, Chris Leary = Irish Catholic, who was also raised in rural NH) which means sometimes I need to do a little research once in a while. There is something to be said of “chance favors the prepared mind.”

But, I enjoy learning – I’m one of those people who reads National Geographic Magazine from cover to cover. Lots of things fascinate me. I have had the pleasure of photographing several Indian weddings – they are rich in details, steeped in tradition, vibrant and spirited! Indian weddings are a wedding photo-journalist’s dream!

For those of you who are unfamiliar with an Indian Tamil Wedding Ceremony, I’ve put together a mini photo essay with a brief description of several key points.

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6 Highlights of a Tamil Wedding Ceremony:

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1. Welcoming of the Bridegroom: The Groom is escorted by his brother and the Bride’s brother to the entrance. The Bride’s brother pours water over the Groom’s feet and the Bride’s family performs Aarti to bless and welcome the Groom. The Groom is then escorted to the Mandap.

2. Arrival of the Bride: The Bride is escorted by the Groom’s sister and sister-in-law to the Mandap. They are followed by a few married women who are carrying flowers, fruits and sweets that will be used in the wedding ceremony.

3. Kanyadan and Rakshabandam : Giving Away the Bride and Tying the Sacred Thread – The Bride’s family formally gives away the daughter in the presence of God, family and friends. The priest ties the sacred yellow thread around the Groom’s wrist. The Groom then ties another yellow thread around the Bride’s wrist. This ritual is meant to grant them good health. Then the couple exchanges garlands to confirm their readiness to undertake the sacred vows of marriage.

4. Mangalyadharanam: Tying of the Sacred Necklace with the Mangalyam (gold pendant), around the Bride’s neck with the help of his sister. The Mangalsutra symbolizes not just a bonding of two individuals but also the bonding of understanding, commitment, mutual love and spiritual growth. It has the same significance as the wedding band, and therefore the couple is now considered to be married. At this time, family and friends bless the couple by showering them with rice and flowers.

5. Laja Homam (offering to Agni) and Saptapadi: Circling the Holy Fire – The couple takes seven steps around the holy fire and in doing so wishes for the following seven gifts -

1. To provide for their household and avoid those things that might harm them
2. To develop their physical, mental and spiritual powers
3. To increase their wealth and prosperity by righteous and proper means
4. To acquire knowledge, happiness and harmony by mutual love, respect and trust
5. To be blessed with strong, virtuous and heroic children
6. To be gifted with self-restraint and longevity
7. To be true companions and remain life-long partners

They then pour rice corns onto the fire to invoke Agni to bless them with a long life filled with happiness and prosperity. The Bride’s foot is placed on a slab of stone and the Groom puts toe rings on her. This signifies his vow to the Bride. “May our marriage be as solid as this stone and work as smoothly as the rings I place on your toes”

6. Akshadai Ashirvadam – Blessing of the Couple: The priest blesses the couple by showering them with rice. The couple offers respect to their parents and relatives, thereby receiving their blessings

About Chris Leary:

NY wedding photographer, Chris Leary publishes the “Weddings by Chris Leary Photography” weekly e-zine. Get your F*REE report: “10 Mistakes Brides Make When Planning Their Wedding Photography” at: www.chrislearyweddings.com