Kerala Matrimony

About Kerala Matrimony

Like the diverse natural beauty of Kerala, the people of Kerala also belongs to diverse communities. The three major communities of Kerala include Hindus (54.8%), Muslims (26.56), and Christians (18.58%).

Each community has their own way of celebrating the pious event called marriage. In spite of various diverse rituals, there is a remarkable similarity between marriages of these communities.

The use of white color as the wedding dress, bride laden with gold jewelry and the Sadya (an authentic Kerala feast) are some of the major similarities.

Let's have a closer look at different flavors of Kerala matrimonial ceremonies.

Kerala Hindu Marriages

Hindu marriages start with the matching of the horoscope of boy and girl by an astrologer. If the compatibility of horoscope matches then boy family visits the girl place to see her and fix auspicious date called 'Muhurtham' for engagement and Thalliketu (tying of nuptial knot). This date is fixed by family priest and both the family announces it to their close relatives.

Kerala Hindu Pre-Wedding Ritual

Nischyam (the engagement ceremony)

During this ceremony, the compared and approved horoscopes are exchanged between families. During the celebration, mothiram maattal (ring exchange) ceremony may take place. The families exchange gifts after which a grand traditional feast called Sadya is served to all the guests.

Pre-nuptial blessing of bride

Just before wedding day, the bride needs to visit a nearby temple and seeks blessings from almighty for her happy married life this is followed by blessings from all the elders of the family.

Kerala Hindu Marriage-Day Rituals

A raised platform known as Kalyan mandapam is decorated with Nirapara ( a pot filled with paddy) and nilvillaku (traditional lamp). Bride and groom made to sit on this platform. Kanyadan is performed by bride's father followed by Thalliketu i.e. tying of Thali (Mangalsutra) by groom around bride's neck. The marriage rituals conclude with garlanding each other and taking pheras around Kalyan mandap.

After these rituals groom gifts, a traditional saree to the bride which is known as Mundu and then the bride needs to be dressed in it at the time of her departure to new home. This ritual is known as Pudva Koda.

Kerala Hindu Post-Wedding Rituals

It includes welcoming of the bride by her mother in law by performing aarthi of the couple. The bride enters her new home with her right feet first.

Kerala Christian Matrimony

Marriages among Kerala Christians are a bit different from those of other parts of the world. There is a mixture of customs between Christians and Hindu. Christian marriages start with taking permission for marriage from the concerned church.

For three weeks following the Manasammatham, the church publically announces the couple's engagement following the Sunday prayers. If anyone opposes the marriage, they are requested to come forward within those three weeks. Should there be no opposal, the wedding date is then fixed.

Kerala Christian Pre-Wedding Rituals

Engagement ceremony:  a formal engagement is conducted in a church with prayers in presence of Vicar. Prayers were continued to be conducted for the couple three consecutive Sundays after the engagement. This is known as 'Manasamatham' in local language

Bachelors & Hens party: both bride and groom celebrate the last day of their Bachelorhood through a party with his friends and family members, this is known as bachelor's party in case of groom whereas Hens party in case of the bride.

Haldi ceremony: In some places of Kerala state, the Syriac Christian community also follows the haldi ceremony. It includes the application of turmeric and sandalwood paste to both bride and groom. This ceremony is known as Haldaat ceremony.

Kerala Christian Wedding-Day Rituals

Holy wedding: On the wedding day, the groom invites bride for the wedding by sending a car to pick her up for the wedding venue. On her arrival, the best man of groom welcomes her with a bouquet of flowers. Then the couple walks down and enters the church together. There the priest awaits them and offers them best wishes for their new beginning. The priest then reads the Holy Bible which is followed by the sermon and called Homily on the sacredness of the wedding. The couple makes the promises to stay together in every ups down of life and exchange rings.

Mangalsutra ceremony: this is observed especially in case of Syriac Christians. tying the Thali or Mangalsutra is performed after the exchange of rings. The groom then gifts a wedding saree to the bride, this ritual is known as Matrakodi. These two things (the mangalsutra and wedding saree) are supposed to be kept by Keralite bride throughout her life.

Reception: this is held at bride's home after the conclusion of marriages ceremonies. A grand feast is served to all the guests including traditional dishes.

Kerala Muslim Marriages

Muslims also comprises a considerable community of Kerala. The wedding is known as Nikkah in case of Muslims. Following are some important rituals in Muslims marriages in Kerala.

Kerala Mulsim Pre-Wedding Rituals

Valayidal: This is similar to engagement ceremony in other communities. Groom's family present silk and gold to bride while bride;s family present cash and gold to groom. The marriage date is fixed and announced on this occasion.

Mylanchi ideal: This takes place a day before marriage. It takes place at bride's residence. The ladies of relatives and friends apply the mylanchi (Henna) on legs and hands of the bride. This mylanchi is presented to the bride by her in-laws. On this occasion, traditional Muslim dance 'Oppana' is also performed by the ladies.

Kerala Mulsim Wedding-Day Rituals

The wedding function starts with the arrival of the groom and his party. He is welcomed by his brother in law. Before actual marriage rituals start' Mehr' (a gift usually in form of cash given to bride's family by groom's family) is decided by the family members. The marriage is conducted by Maulavi who narrates the verses of Quran and prepare marriage agreement known as nikkahnama. Maulavi ask for the consent of both bride and groom on their marriage and the agreement is signed by the bride, groom their fathers and the Maulvi. Mehr is then given to bride's family and bride and groom are allowed to see each other in the mirror first.

After marriage ceremony is a grand feast is served. After this a prayer is held and the bride is farewell by her relatives and friend.

Kerala Mulsim Post-Wedding Ritual

A grand reception is known as 'Wallima' is held at Grooms place a day after marriage. This is a symbol to celebrate the welcome of the bride in her new home.

Popular cities within Kerala are below: