Customs And Traditions In Kannada Matrimony

By Author: Ankush Singhal
Total Articles: 173
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The state of Karnataka has a mixed population with people from all religion living here. Muslims, Christians, Jain and Buddhists are settled though the majority population is of Hindus. Kannada is commonly spoken across the state and the people are mostly known as Kannada language. Kannada Matrimony rituals depend on the religion and community.

The Kannada Matrimony Ceremony for the Hindu caste is simple affair. The wedding functions are simple and modest. Importance is given to carry the rituals as per their culture. Like every other Hindu community wedding, there are many rituals in Kannada matrimony. The wedding rituals can be divided into pre-wedding, post wedding and wedding day rituals.

Important Pre-Wedding Rites in Kannada Matrimony

There are many wedding rituals, which starts days before the actual day. One of the first and important rituals is the Nischay Tamulam. In this ritual, a formal agreement is done and the alliance is fixed. The boy and girl’s families organize a small ceremony. After matching horoscopes and asking ...
... consent, a suitable date is fixed for engagement ceremony. Gifts and sweets are exchanged between the families. A priest presides over the ceremony and recites vedic mantras.

Another very important and fun-filled ritual is the Kashi Yatra. In this ritual, the groom goes on a mock pilgrimage to the city of Kashi as he is not getting a suitable bride for himself. His maternal uncle then calls the girl and shows it to him. He then cancels his decision of going on a pilgrimage and agrees to make the girl his wife.

Worshipping the Naadi is also a pre-wedding ritual in Kannada Matrimony. The bride and the groom worship the bull-god and seek blessings.

Wedding Rites in Kannada Matrimony

Usually the wedding takes places in the daytime. The mandap is decorated with fresh flowers and lights. The wedding rituals start with the bride’s father welcoming the groom and washing his feet. This ritual is known as the Var Pooja. After this ritual, the bride arrives in the mandap and sits next to the groom. The Kannadiga bride wears traditional wedding attire of the state known as the navari. She also wears green glass bangles and fresh jasmine flowers adorn her hair. The groom also wears traditional clothing like silk dhoti and kurta.

The Kanyadaan ritual is an important one for the bride as her father finally gives her to the groom. The bride’s father holds her daughter’s hand and places it on the groom palm. Then he places betel and coconut on their hands and finally sprinkles holy water. This is known as Dhare Herdu tradition.

The groom also ties the mangalsutra, a black bead necklace worn by married women, around the bride’s neck. Then he holds her hand and takes seven circles round the yagna or holy fire. This is an important ritual and is known as Saptapadi. With this ritual, the priest declares them man and wife. The ritual of saptapadi solemnizes the wedding.

The wedding comes to an over with food served to guests and family members attending the wedding. The food is served in a traditional way with guests sitting on the floor and food served in banana leaves.

Post-Wedding Rites in Kannada Matrimony

The bride then leaves for the groom’s house where she is welcomes by her mother-in-law. A small ritual takes places, which is known as Grihapravesha. At the threshold of the house, a small bronze vessel filled with rice is placed. The bride is asked to knock the vessel of rice with her right foot. The bride does this and enters the house. The spilling of rice is considered auspicious and sign of good fortune.

The second ritual is giving a new name to the bride by the groom. The groom gives a new name to her wife and writes it on a plate filled with rice. A finger ring is used for to write the name on the rice-filled plate.

Reception Party in Kannada Matrimony

The groom’s family in honor of the new member of their house gives reception party. Relatives and close friends are invited for this party. They wish the newly married couple best of married life.

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