Once the couple has
finally succeeded in garlanding each other thrice, they are made
to sit together on a swing. The couple is fed spoonful of milk
and banana by the married women of the two families. A small matrimonial
ceremony with rice balls circled around the couple in circular
motions (clockwise and anti-clockwise directions) and flung away,
is performed to keep the evil spirits away. Tamil wedding songs
called ‘Oonjal Paattu’ are sung.
During the ‘Kanyadaanam’ the groom’s the bride’s
father washes the groom’s feet. This gesture conveys that
the groom is the incarnation of Lord Vishnu and that he will take
good care of his daughter. In the Tamil community, the Tamil bride
is then made to sit on her father’s lap with a coconut in
her hands. The giving away of the bride takes place as the father
and bride offers the coconut to the groom. The bride's mother
then pours water over the coconut. The groom’s parents then
gift the bride a nine-yard sari in acceptance of the matrimonial
alliance. This sari is to be worn during the tying of the mangasultra.
The bride then changes into her matrimonial sari and the priest
and relatives bless the mangalsutra. This matrimonial sacred thread
is handed to the groom, who then ties it around the neck of his
bride with two knots. His sister ties the third knot. The three
knots symbolizes the unity of the mind, spirit and body in Holy
matrimony.
The seven pheras or the ‘Saptapadi’ take place as
the groom holds the bride's right hand in his left hand and leads
her around the sacred matrimonial fire. As the couple takes these
rounds, it is hoped by all present, that the matrimonial union
will be steadfast and strong. Clothes and other gifts are then
exchanged between the families (Sammandhi Mariyathai). ‘Laaja
Homam’ is a post - matrimonial ceremony wherein the girl’s
brother offers popped rice to the groom. The groom offers this
to the Agni (fire) and seeks blessings.
During the post - matrimonial ceremony of ‘Paaladaanam’,
the couple seeks blessings of the senior. Gifts are offered to
them in return. With the matrimonial rituals over, it is now time
for the Tamil ‘Grihapravesham’. The bride is sent
to her matrimonial house and received warmly. The couple, then
return to the venue where the matrimonial lunch of typical Tamil
food is being served. The post - matrimonial reception takes place
the same evening. With this the couple begins their new life together
in society.
