India is one of the world’s oldest civilizations with roots tracing back over 5000 years and has a rich and complex cultural heritage. Its traditions are deeply rooted in history and vary widely across the country’s many regions, languages, and communities. The country recognizes 22 official languages and is estimated to have over 2,000 dialects. In fact, the diversity is so vast that a North Indian may be just as unfamiliar with the customs of a South Indian as someone visiting from outside India.

As you join us in celebrating our wedding, we hope this guide offers insight into the rituals and events, so you can feel at home and experience the joy of this vibrant tradition with us.

Nischayathartham / Engagement Ceremony

A formal announcement of the couple's intention to marry, often involving an exchange of gifts and blessings from elders.

Haldi / Nalangu / Pellikuthuru

A turmeric paste is applied to the bride and groom in their respective homes to purify and bless them before the wedding. In Tamil weddings, this may be called Nalangu, involving playful rituals between the couple.

Mehndi / Henna Ceremony

While traditionally North Indian, these are now commonly included in South Indian weddings, especially in cross-cultural or urban celebrations. Henna is applied to the bride’s hands and feet, amidst close family, followed by music and dancing.

18th October, 2025

6:30 PM - 11:30 PM

Rasoi III Banquet Hall, Monmouth Junction NJ

Appetizers, Dinner, Cake and Open Bar

The Sangeet (pronounced sun-geet, meaning “musical gathering”) is one of the most joyful pre-wedding events. Though traditionally part of North Indian weddings, it’s now widely embraced in South Indian celebrations too—especially for modern or multicultural weddings.

This evening is all about celebrating love through music, dance, and laughter. Family and friends from both sides come together to perform dances, sing songs, and share stories about the couple. Think of it as a fusion of a dance party, talent show, and family roast—all in one vibrant, colorful setting!

Expect festive outfits, lively performances, delicious food, open bar and plenty of fun. Whether you’re dancing or cheering from the sidelines, your presence will make it special.

19th October, 2025

7:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Sri Guruvayoorappan Temple, Marlboro NJ

Traditional South Indian Breakfast and Lunch Served on Banana Leaves

Breakfast 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Kashi Yatra (Groom's Ritual Departure) - 8:00 AM

The groom jokingly announces he’s off to live a life of asceticism—until the bride’s father persuades him to return and marry. This is symbolic and light-hearted.

Bride Welcomes Groom - 8:30 AM

The groom is welcomed by the bride's family with aarti, garlands, and rituals. Sometimes this is accompanied by traditional music and dancers.

Muhurtham (Sacred Wedding Ceremony) - 9:00 AM

This is the heart of the wedding and includes several important steps:

Kanyadaanam – Giving away of the bride by her parents.

Mangalsutra Dharanam – The groom ties the sacred necklace (mangalsutra or thali) around the bride's neck.

Saptapadi (Pheras) – The couple takes seven symbolic steps together, each step representing a vow.

Nourishment:

Together, we promise to provide for each other and our household

with love, respect and nourishment.

Strength:

We promise to develop physical, mental, and spiritual strength to support

each other through life’s challenges.

Prosperity:

We vow to grow together in wealth and success through honest and honorable means.

Happiness:

We will share joy, love, and laughter—and cherish life’s blessings as partners.

Family:

We promise to care for our family, raise children with values, and support each other’s loved ones as our own.

Health & Harmony:

We commit to lifelong health, mutual understanding, and inner peace.

Friendship & Loyalty:

We pledge to be best friends, faithful partners, and companions for life

—bound by trust, love, and unity.

Homam - 10.30 AM

Offerings are made into the sacred fire to invoke divine blessings.

Talambralu / Kanyadanam Rituals - 11.30 AM

The bride and groom shower each other with rice or flower petals in a joyful, symbolic game of affection and prosperity.

Nalangu

There’s also a playful side to the wedding—family members tease the couple with games, and shower blessings. It’s a moment of laughter, joy, and love, surrounded by close family and traditions passed down through generations.

Rolling the Coconut: The bride and groom gently roll a coconut back and forth on the floor, symbolizing cooperation and communication in married life.

Breaking the Papad (Appalam): Each person places a papad on the other’s head and tries to crush it—playfully, of course! It’s meant to lighten the mood and add laughter.

Feeding Each Other Sweets: A sweet and affectionate game where the couple takes turns feeding each other traditional treats, symbolizing nurturing and care.

Toe Game: A small object (like a ring or coin) is placed between the couple’s feet, and they try to pick it up using only their toes. It’s harder than it looks—and always gets everyone laughing!

Lunch (~12:00 PM - 1:00 PM)

Grihapravesham

The bride is formally welcomed into the groom’s home, marking the start of her new life.