Tambrahm weddings instantly remind anyone of the beautiful fun-filled rituals, grandeur, and vibrance. ‘Tambrahm’ wedding is a catchphrase for Tamil Brahmin weddings which is popularly used nowadays.
Tamil Brahmin weddings are grand affairs lasting days and are truly a treat for the guests! Kashi Yatra, Oonjal are some of the ceremonies where every moment is a burst of joy, laughter, and celebration.
Rooted in the rich heritage of Tamil Brahmins, various rituals have been passed down through generations and this blog takes you through their cultural journey.
The Wedding Warm-Up
Nichayathartham
Indian weddings are known for their elaborate ceremonies and they begin well before the actual wedding ceremony. Most Indian weddings, especially South Indian weddings have an engagement ceremony or Nichayathartham where the bride and groom exchange rings as a symbol of agreement to the marriage. They are gifted new clothes by their to-be in-laws and after the ring exchange ceremony, they change into these beautiful new outfits.
On this day, the priest reads the Lagna Patrika which has the family and ancestors’ names and also the Muhurtham of the wedding. Usually, Ganesh Pooja is also held on the same day to invoke the Lord’s blessings and to start all the upcoming rituals on an auspicious note. The day ends with a sumptuous and traditional lunch.
Pallikai Thellichal
Pallikai Thellichal is a traditional pre-wedding ritual in Tamil Brahmin weddings which is done a day before the wedding. This ceremony involves the purification and preparation of earthen pots and seeds which hold cultural significance.
Earthen pots, called Pallikais, are cleaned and decorated with turmeric, sandalwood paste, and vermilion. These pots symbolise the earth and this ritual is more rooted in folklore.
The decorated pots are filled with a mixture of nine different types of grains, also known as Navadhanyam, and are sprinkled with water. It starts to sprout in a couple of days and this is believed to signify the growth of new life.
The pots are then placed in a row, and the bride and groom, along with their families participate in the ritual. Elderly women often take the lead in performing this ritual since it symbolises the transfer of knowledge and tradition from one generation to the next.
It is a beautiful and meaningful ceremony in Tamil Brahmin weddings that celebrates life and prosperity. The pre-wedding celebrations are followed by a sequence of wedding day rituals before Mangalyadhaaranam (tying the Mangalsutra)
The Day of Sacred Vows
Rituals begin early in the morning. The atmosphere in the wedding venue is filled with excitement as guests and relatives start to gather.
Mangalasnanam
Mangalasnanam or auspicious bath is a ceremony that is either separately performed in the bride’s and groom’s house or it happens in the wedding venue. It is a fun ritual where Haldi, Kunkum and Sandalwood paste are applied to the bride and groom by near and dear ones present and finally, they are given a turmeric water bath. Turmeric and Sandalwood are believed to have purifying properties and turmeric is believed to enhance the radiance of the skin, making them look the best on their big day.
Kashi Yaatra
Kashi Yaatra or Mock Pilgrimage is a dramatic ritual in Tamil Brahmin weddings. After completing Bhramacharaya Ashram, the groom has two options — pursue the married life of a Grihastha or take Sanyasa asceticism.
The groom chooses to take Sanyasa by taking his belongings — an umbrella, footwear, bamboo fan, etc. The bride’s father stops the groom and convinces him not to go ahead but marry his daughter and be a Grihastha. The groom agrees and then the other wedding rituals begin.
Poochoottal
Another fun ceremony adding to the celebrations is the Garland Exchange ritual where the bride and groom exchange garlands. Their respective maternal uncles lift the bride and groom trying to make it a little difficult for the other person to put the garland over.
Oonjal
Following Poochoottal is the Oonjal ceremony, also known as the Swing Ceremony, a delightful and symbolic ritual. The ceremony is held on a decorated swing, often placed in a central, beautifully adorned area of the wedding venue. The swing is usually decorated with flowers, banana leaves, and traditional motifs.
The bride and groom are seated on the swing, facing each other side by side. The swing is gently rocked back and forth by the family members, usually the bride’s brothers. The act of swing represents the ups and downs of married life and the support of family in navigating them. Elderly women present, sing Oonjal songs or Oonjal Paatu blessing the couple.
The ceremony culminates with elders showering the couple with rice mixed with turmeric and flowers, offering their blessings.
Kanyadanam and Muhurtam
Kanyadanam literally translates to ‘giving away the maiden’ in Sanskrit. The bride sits on her father’s lap holding a coconut. Together they offer it to the groom and the mother pours water over it symbolising the giving away of their daughter.
During Kanyadanam the bridal attire is a Kanjeevaram saree, typically in auspicious colours like red, gold, or maroon. She is adorned with intricate heirloom gold jewelry including necklaces, bangles, earrings, and maang tika.
Muhurtam is followed by lunch which is known for their vegetarian cuisine. The food is typically served on banana leaves and includes a variety of dishes. The preparation style is often reminiscent of temple prasadam, emphasising purity and simplicity. Tambrahm wedding cuisine is not just a feast for the palate but also a celebration of heritage and community.
Post-Wedding Festivities
Saptapadi
A post-wedding ritual where the newlyweds take seven steps together around holy fire. Each step represents a specific vow they make to each other. As they take every step, the priest chants Vedic mantras and the couple repeats them. This ceremony signifies the journey together as husband and wife and their shared responsibilities.
Grihapravesam
In Sanskrit, Grihapravesam means ‘entering the house’. It signifies the bride entering her new home with her husband. The bride is asked to gently kick a small pot filled with rice placed at the entrance of the house.
Wedding Reception
After the formal wedding rituals, the bride and groom have a casual reception for the extended family to offer blessings and be a part of their celebration.
A wedding in itself is an enchanting affair and a Tamil Brahmin wedding, brimming with traditions is a mesmerising journey that beautifully narrates the tale of love.
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