Hindu weddings, which are known for their spiritual depth, encompass a wide range of customs and rituals that vary by region and community. Among these, a Tamil Brahmin wedding, which encompasses a range of customs and rituals practiced largely in South India, stands out for its meticulous adherence to Vedic traditions and the profound symbolism embedded in all aspects of the ceremony. Each ritual in a Tamil Brahmin wedding carries deep spiritual significance, emphasizing the union of two individuals and their families in accordance with Vedic traditions. The ceremonies are carefully planned and conducted by priests who guide the families through each step, ensuring adherence to age-old practices that symbolize the couple's journey into married life.

Here, we provide brief descriptions of the rituals that we will take part in throughout this ceremony, so that those who are less familiar with these customs may follow along. We hope that these descriptions are helpful, and we are so glad that you are here to celebrate with us today!

This is a dramatic ritual that happens right before the Tamil Brahmin wedding ceremony. The tradition says that the groom has to pretend that he is going to Kashi (a sacred city) to become a sanyasi (one who pursues an ascetic lifestyle), meanwhile the bride's father and other relatives convince him to not go for Kashi but to get married to their daughter. Later on, the groom changes his mind and agrees on marriage and he is welcomed to the wedding hall with grand gestures.

This is a wedding procession for the groom that involves live music and dancing. Though it doesn't hold any religious significance, it's performed at almost every wedding to ensure a couple happily enters their marriage with friends and family by their side. This custom also symbolizes the groom's journey to marrying his wife and the joining of two families into one.

Roughly translates to “garland exchange.” These garlands are made with closely-knit fresh flowers – mostly jasmine – with a few red roses and adorned beads such as pearls or stones. The garlands are then given to the bride and groom to be exchanged in the presence of their family.

This part of the ceremony is supposed to be a fun game. Initially, the garland is handed over to the groom and the bride’s relatives – usually uncles, brothers and cousins – lift up the bride to try and dodge the exchange. Once the groom successfully places a garland over the bride’s neck, the bride is handed over a garland and it is the duty of the groom’s relatives to do the same dodging trick.

Exchange of garlands signifies the commencement of the marriage ceremony. It is a promise of commitment towards each other for the rest of their lives.



During this wedding ritual, both the bride and groom are asked to sit on a wooden swing, while the ladies in the house sing wedding folk songs. The rocking motion of the swing symbolizes the ebb and flow of life. The couple is also offered bananas and milk; this is part of the tradition is meant to ease their minds before tying the knot.

At this point all guests will be seated in the main ceremony area. Then, the bride and groom will enter with their families.



The wedding ceremony begins with prayers to Lord Ganesha (the elephant god, and remover of obstacles) seeking his blessings for a successful ceremony. This is followed by Punyaha – a cleansing ritual involving purification of the self and surroundings. This ritual involves sprinkling holy water and tying the sacred thread on the wrists of the bride and groom (raksha sutra).

With the blessings of three generations of ancestors from the bride's and groom’s families, the bride’s parents give her hand in marriage to the groom. This represents the bride’s family entrusting the groom with the honor and responsibility of accepting the bride as his equal partner.

This is the sacred ritual where the groom ties the mangal sutra (sacred necklace) around the bride's neck. During this, the nadaswaram (a sacred South Indian wind instrument) and other instruments are played loudly, signifying the auspicious event. A turmeric thread is also tied around the bride’s neck with three knots. This ritual symbolizes the union of the bride and groom.

Through the joining of hands, the bride and groom commit to each other and to lead a unified life filled with peace, love, and harmony.

The ritual is held in observation of Lord Agni, the Hindu fire god, and the ultimate witness to the marriage. The bride and groom walk around the fire 3 times. At the end of each round, a male relative of the bride offers puffed rice to her. The couple offers this puffed rice to the fire god. The offering of the puffed rice ensures the couple is blessed by Agni and is offered happiness and prosperity in return.

This is one of the most important rites in the entire ceremony. In this rite, the bride and groom tie a knot and take seven steps around the fire together. With each step, the bride and groom make the following vows:

1. To share responsibilities of home and family
2. To embrace each other’s families and communities as their own
3. To always remain faithful to each other
4. To help and complement each other at all times
5. To instill virtues in their children
6. To respect all living beings
7. To remain lifelong companions throughout their journey

Having exchanged these vows of love, duty, respect, fidelity and a fruitful union the couple agree to be companions forever.



The newly married woman is asked to step on a grinding stone. This ritual symbolizes that she should be as unperturbed by life's difficulties as the rock-like stone beneath her feet. The groom places silver toe rings on the second toe of both feet to show his respect for her and support of their life together.

The couple shower each other with akshata (rice mixed with turmeric powder) signifying happiness and enjoyment. Akshata represents prosperity and good luck.

Relatives bless the couple and swish vermillion mixed water in front of the newly married couple.



The couple seeks blessings from their parents, the priest, family and guests for a long and happy married life.

The couple is symbolically shown the double stars named Arundati–Vashishta. Vashistha and Arundati were a married couple, both prominent figures in Hindu mythology. Arundhati and Vasistha were considered an ideal couple, symbolic of fulfillment and loyalty within marriage. The couple looks up to these stars as symbols of marital love and affection.