Wedding Rituals (Pelli – పెళ్లి)

Gauri Puja (గౌరీ పూజ – Prayer to Goddess Gauri)

Before the ceremony begins, the bride offers prayers to Goddess Gauri, seeking her blessings for a married life filled with strength, love, and prosperity.

Kanyadaanam (కన్యాదానం – Giving Away the Bride)

The bride's parents place her hands into the groom's, entrusting their daughter into his care. This marks the joining of two families in love and trust.

Mangalsutra Dharanam (మంగళసూత్ర ధారణ – Tying the Sacred Thread)

The groom ties the mangalsutra (sacred necklace) around the bride's neck in three knots, each representing his promise to protect, honor, and stand by her throughout life. For the bride, the mangalsutra is a lasting symbol of marriage and the bond she now shares with her husband. The black and gold beads are also believed to bring strength, prosperity, and protection to their union.

Jeelakarra Bellam (జీలకర్ర బెల్లం – Cumin & Jaggery Ritual)

During the sacred moment (muhurtham), the bride and groom place cumin seeds (bitter) and jaggery (sweet) on each other's heads. A white cloth called the "thera" is held between them, symbolizing the veil between two souls about to unite. As the thera is lifted, their eyes lock for the first time as husband and wife, marking the exact moment of their sacred union and their promise to walk through both the sweet and challenging moments of life together.

Saptapadi (సప్తపది – Seven Steps)

The bride and groom take seven sacred steps together around the ritual fire. Each step is a vow they make as they begin life as one:

To care for each other's health.
To build strength in body, mind, and spirit.
To work together for prosperity.
To share love and respect in raising a family.
To live in harmony and trust.
To stand by each other through joy and hardship.
To remain lifelong companions and true partners.

Talambralu (తాళంబ్రాలు – Showering of Rice)

The bride and groom shower rice on each other as family and friends join in, blessing their marriage with happiness, prosperity, and playful joy.

Arundhati Nakshatram (అరుంధతి నక్షత్రం – Guiding Star Ritual)

The groom guides the newly wed bride to look at the Arundhati star, a symbol of loyalty and devotion in marriage, inspiring them to follow its example.

Appaginthalu (అప్పగింతలు – Sending Off the Bride)

In the final moments, the bride's family formally sends her to the groom's home, symbolizing her transition into a new chapter of life. It reflects both the love of her family and the trust placed in the couple as they begin their journey together.