The state of Karnataka has a mixed population with people of all faiths living here. Muslims, Christians, Jains and Buddhists settle, although the majority population is Hindu. Kannada is commonly spoken throughout the state and the people mostly know each other as the Kannada language. Kannada Marriage rituals depend on religion and community.
The Kannada marriage ceremony for the Hindu caste is a simple affair. Wedding functions are simple and modest. Importance is given to carry out the rituals according to their culture. Like any other Hindu community wedding, there are many rituals in Kannada marriage. Wedding rituals can be divided into pre-wedding rituals, post-wedding rituals, and wedding-day rituals.
Important rites prior to the wedding in the Kannada marriage
There are many wedding rituals, which start days before the actual day. One of the first and important rituals is the Nischay Tamulam. In this ritual a formal agreement is made and the alliance is established. The families of the boy and girl organize a small ceremony. After matching the horoscopes and seeking consent, a suitable date is set for the commitment ceremony. Gifts and sweets are exchanged between 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 because he cannot get a suitable bride for himself. Her maternal uncle then calls the girl and shows her to him. He then cancels his decision to go on a pilgrimage and agrees to make the girl his wife.
Worshiping the Naadi is also a pre-wedding ritual in Kannada Marriage. The bride and groom worship the bull god and seek blessings.
Wedding rites in Kannada marriage
Usually the wedding takes place during the day. The mandap is decorated with fresh flowers and lights. The wedding rituals begin with the father of the bride 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 the traditional state wedding dress known as navari. She also wears green glass bracelets and fresh jasmine flowers adorn her hair. The groom also wears traditional clothing like silk dhoti and kurta.
The Kanyadaan ritual is important to the bride as her father finally hands her over to the groom. The bride’s father takes her daughter’s hand and places it on the groom’s palm. He then puts betel and coconut in her hands and finally sprinkles holy water. This is known as Dhare Herdu tradition.
The groom also ties the mangalsutra, a necklace of black beads worn by married women, around the neck of the bride. He then takes her hand and makes seven circles around the yagna or sacred fire. This is an important ritual and is known as Saptapadi. With this ritual, the priest declares them husband and wife. The saptapadi ritual solemnizes the wedding.
The wedding comes to a close with the food being served to the guests and family members attending the wedding. Food is served in the traditional way with the guests sitting on the floor and the food served on banana leaves.
Post-wedding rites in Kannada marriage
The bride then goes to the groom’s house where she is greeted by her mother-in-law. A small ritual is carried out, which is known as Grihapravesha. A small bronze vessel filled with rice is placed on the threshold of the house. The bride is asked to hit the rice bowl with her right foot. The bride does this and goes into the house. The spilling of rice is considered auspicious and a sign of good fortune.
The second ritual is to give the bride a new name from the groom. The groom gives his wife a new name and writes it on a plate full of rice. A finger ring is used to write the name on the plate filled with rice.
Kannada marriage reception party
The groom’s family gives a reception party in honor of the new member of his house. Relatives and close friends are invited to this party. They want the newly married couple the best in married life.
