Weddings in Karnataka
Weddings in Karnataka (Source: indusladies.com)
The exotic culture of Kannada wedding includes simple customs that includes all the basic Hindu rituals. When one attends the weddings in Karnataka, they feel the land of God chanting mantras and brewing peace from within. Like most weddings in the south, here too one would find diversified styles and customs being followed by the various people. The weddings for a Brahmin and non-Brahmin are always different in any kind of culture.
The marriage includes many of the basic customs and rituals that go back several years in time. Since the inception of these customs and culture, there has been no change observed in the traditional format of the weddings. There are various customs and rituals that take place before the wedding, during the wedding, and after the wedding. Each of these customs is important from the bride and groom’s perspective. All these rituals are in fact carried out in purview of a beautiful and normal life ahead.
Background
The traditional customs involve various ceremonies that are performed at the said time and place. Usually, there is a Pre marriage celebration in some of the Kannada weddings, where the bride is welcomed into the groom’s family with a piece of jewelry that belonged to the ancestors. This piece of jewelry marks the entry of the bride to be. The marriage begins with the Naandi ceremony wherein both families pray to the God for an uninterrupted wedding.
The mandap where the wedding vows would be exchanged is built in the home itself. The mandap is decorated with everything that marks the Kannada wedding. One would find drums and other musical instruments set to the beat of the wedding songs. The groom carries two sets of baskets, one with sari and jewelry while the other contains jaggery and coconut. This basket also carries the mangalsutra that the bride would wear. The marriage ceremony commences with the exchange of garlands. In the meantime, the mangalsutra is circulated across the seated audience to acquire blessings from the elders. The mangalsutra is tied after it is received at the mandap. The sapt’(seventh) fera is summoned after that. Post these ceremonies, the groom and bride are announced husband and wife by the priest.
Bride (Source: pinterest)
Style & Attire
White & red is a brilliant combination that marks the attire worn by the Kannada bride. A nice white or cream sari with a beautiful red border, with a tinge of gold is what the bridal dress is made of. The style of draping this saree is of a regular traditional style. A high bun or plait styles the hair of the bride. The braid is adorned with flowers. Tikka and Necklace are two pieces of jewellery that shine brightly on the bride’s attire. The tikka is traditionally similar to the North Indian versions. Bangles adorn the hands of the bride and make them look glamorous.
Men wear veshti which is made of silk, with a bright border and a kurta over it. Men in Karnataka also wear a turban during their weddings. This turban is a mark of pride for the groom in the lands of Karnataka. The turbans are either off white or golden in color. The men also carry an angostram with them as part of their wedding attire. The garlands adorning the bride and groom are mostly multicolored. The appearance of their attire is neither too gaudy nor too simple. It seems exotic yet serene. This is the beauty of the attire chosen by Kannada people for their bride and groom.
Present Day Scenario & Global Appeal
Like most weddings in the south, Kannada weddings to have taken inspiration from North Indian style of weddings. The sherwani culture for grooms, which is more common in the north has become a hit with Kannada weddings as well. Sangeet and other such functions which were initially not a part of the south weddings in general, have become pretty common. Bachelorette is a concept that has been introduced by foreign countries. Many Kannada weddings today include such parties as well as pre-wedding celebrations. Globally Kannada weddings have become prominent due to the choice of attire and simplicity of rituals.
Kannada Wedding (Source: infobharti.com)
Interesting Facts & Comparisons
- A lot of Maharashtrian wedding similarities are observed in the traditional Kannada wedding.
- Though the names may be different in Kannada wedding, most of the rituals are similar to those of general Hindu wedding rituals and customs.
- Vidaai is observed in the Kannada weddings which is generally not a part of any wedding in South India.
References
Categories: Wedding Types, Weddings & Festivals