Telugu marriages are complex affairs that include many rituals and ceremonies. They usually take place just a few days before the actual marriage. Telugu people believe marriage is not an agreement. However, in their culture, the wife is ardhangini, which means that she is a part of the husband. Weddings are full of customs, rituals, and hours of fun for family members and friends. Matchmaking is usually done by an elder who brings rishta (or a match) to the family for the suitable boy or girl. If it is a love marriage, Telugu people select their partners from their local community. As the centre of attraction, the bride wears a saree that is red or brightly colored in Telugu weddings. Traditional south Indian dresses like the dhoti, shervani and shirt are worn by the grooms.

Telugu Wedding Rituals

Muhurtam The Muhurtam is the last day and time of marriage. It is chosen after consulting a family priest. This is an important ceremony grooms

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Pendlikoothru

This Pendlikoothru, or Haldipaspu, is performed prior to the wedding. A paste of oil-turmeric is applied to the boy and girl at their homes by family members to purify them. After that, they take a bath and their relatives give sweets and gifts to them.

Gauri Pooja

Before the Muhurtam, each couple takes a bath. This is called Mangala Snaanam or holy bath. After that, the goddess Gauri is worshipped by the bride. Ganesh Pooja by the groom is performed.

Kanyadaan

The ceremony involves the girl being taken by her maternal uncles to the wedding venue or mandap in a bamboo basket. A curtain is placed between the bride and the groom so they don't see each other until the rituals have been completed. Kanyadaan, which is basically performed by the bride's father or brother, involves them giving their daughter or sister to her groom. During the ceremony, priests (or 'pujaris) recite Vedic mantras. The ceremony is over. Groom's feet will be washed by his parents.

Manglasutra

Manglasutra, a necklace of gold and black beads, is the basic idea behind it. After marriage, Indian women wear it. After the groom has tied it around his bride's neck, the groom will exchange garlands with her and then they will shower thalambratu (uncooked rice and turmeric) over their heads. This ceremony is known as Akshata.

Saptapadi

The ceremony involves the groom and bride taking seven steps, or 'Pheras', around the sacred fire or 'homa'. The bride's saree and shawl are tied just before the pheras. These pheras represent the most important part of the marriage, and a marriage is considered complete when it is completed.

A variety of rituals are also performed the day after the wedding. After the weeding ceremony is over, the groom takes the bride to his house and she begins a new life. This includes responsibilities towards her husband and his families.