India is a multicultural nation, therefore each faith has its own unique set of customs and ideals. Even though each region of the nation has its own unique set of wedding rites and traditions, Telugu wedding customs are relatively similar to Tamil ones. Telugu weddings are particularly unique in that they strongly emphasize spirituality as opposed to just religion.
Regarding cultural symbols, the people are quite particular and uphold their customs without exception. If you ever have the chance to attend a Telugu wedding, you will notice that the cuisine, lighting, and décor are all given the same amount of weight and honor. The wedding rituals are blatantly vibrant and revered.
Contrary to many Indian traditional weddings, more emphasis is placed on spirituality and subtle symbolism at a traditional Telugu wedding. Telugu weddings are unique because of the subtle way they emphasize spirituality rather than just religion.
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Take a peek at these various wedding customs:
- A distinct bride entry: In Telugu marriages, the bride’s maternal uncle walks her to the mandap. At this point, a chadar or curtain separates the bride and groom. They must avoid eye contact with one another. The priest recites the sacred mantras. In some villages in that area, the bride is carried to the stage by the maternal uncle in a beautifully crafted bamboo basket. The rite that precedes Kanyadan is this one.
The bride appears in all her splendor sitting in a basket that is carried by her uncles after the husband takes his place at the altar. It resembles the bride making the groom a sacrifice. However, it can be entertaining to watch the bride parade onto the altar while dressed in gold and a flower braid.
- Blessings are given and received that stick: For this ritual bride and groom sit across from one another facing each other at the muhurat. In order to prevent them from seeing one another, a curtain is used to separate them. The curtain is progressively drawn away from the center of the bride and groom as they each place a leaf holding a mixture of cumin seeds and jaggery on the other’s head. The lasting ties that unite two people are symbolized by this ritual, along with cumin and jaggery. For the duration of their marriage, they will be joined inextricably.
Before the wedding, you’ll witness the groom get up and pack his stuff. He then decides to run away. He puts on his chappals, grabs a pot, and begins to stroll. In essence, the groom declares that he will not wed the bride and that, instead, he wants to leave the world and travel to Kashi. At this moment, the bride’s brother goes and, quite literally, holds the groom’s chin and washes his feet to persuade him to stay and marry the bride. The marriage ceremony then continues when the man agrees to wed the bride.
- The groom wears a toe ring on the bride’s toe: The husband further declares his claim to the bride by placing little silver rings on her toes toward the conclusion of the wedding ritual. At this point, the priest places the wedding rings in a pot of water and instructs the newlyweds to search for them. The bride and groom must dip their hands into the pot simultaneously, and the person who finds the rings first in the marriage is believed to be in charge.
- The Protracted Wedding: The wedding ceremonies are unique in that it is a lengthy occasion that often lasts for many hours or more. To keep the event alive and the guests entertained, numerous enjoyable diversions are integrated into the traditional Telugu wedding in between such drawn-out rites.
There are various games included in the days to keep everyone entertained because Telugu weddings are known to last a very long period. In one particular game that doubles as a ceremony, the bride and groom give each other handfuls of rice as the priest is reciting prayers.Another worth stating point is that various Telugu communities follow diverse rites and traditions. But generally speaking, Telugu weddings give any traditions they may adhere to a strong spiritual significance.
Finally, it can be concluded that a traditional Telugu wedding is a unique and odd blend of traditions and culture, spirituality and religion, respect for women, and some subtleties that seem patriarchal. Unquestionably, it is also overflowing with fun, frolic, and opulent colors. A traditional Telugu wedding stands out from the bulk of other wedding traditions in the region because of all of these factors.
Writer: Karandeep
