Telugu Weddings - Weddings & Marigolds

TELUGU WEDDINGS

Marriage Is Supposed To Be A Family Union & Not An Individual Formality

Telugu Wedding Ceremony

The Telugu wedding ceremony: is the traditional wedding ceremony of the Telugu people in India. In the 19th century, the ceremony could last up to 16 days (Padahaaru Rojula Panduga). In modern times, it can last 5 or more days, depending on the family's financial and social status. Vivaham or Wedding considered the strongest of social bonds, is said to spiritually merge two souls opening the doors to "Gruhastaashramam" (household life). As per a Telugu saying, "marriage is supposed to be a family union and not an individual formality". Telugu marriage is sanctified by seven pledges made by the bride and groom and commences when the bride and groom have completed seven revolutions around a sacred fire.

Ganesh Pooja

To seek blessings for the new journey...

Before the wedding ceremony, the groom attends the Ganesha and Gowri pooja, which is conducted at the maṇḍapaṃ. And the bride does the Gauri Pūja at the house with all her family members and relatives attending before going to the ceremony. It is during this time that "Pravara" a ritual of changing Bride's Gotram from her paternal Gotram to the Groom's Gotram, is performed. Elderly couples from both families are required to attend and witness the "Pravara" while the bride is performing Gauri Pūja.

Gauri Pooja

Bride to seek blessings from Goddess Gauri

The bride worships the Goddess Gauri by performing Gauri Pooja while the groom is performing ganesh pooja on the main Mandap. During the performance of this pooja or worship, the bride typically sits in a hand woven basket lined with a sprinkle of unprocessed rice grains while performing this ritual. Given the community’s agrarian heritage, rice-grains (dhānyam) are a symbol of a good harvest, and thus, prosperity. The Goddess Gauri is revered as a manifestation of Shakti (the most powerful mother of the universe) the power and energy by which the world is created, preserved and destroyed. She symbolizes motherhood, fertility and the victory of good over evil. Hindus consider Gauri and her consort Lord Shiva as the ideal couple in the Vedic culture. They are often worshipped as a single entity, denoting the perfect emotional, mental and physical union between them. By invoking the Goddess blessings, the bride seeks similar strength and divine love in her own life for a long and happy married life with her husband.