India is a nation with a wide range of cultures and religions. Every region of India has its own distinct ways of doing things, and when it comes to marriage, numerous regional traditions are followed by the whole nation.
Southern India is a rich culture and heritage and is diverse in itself which is divided into four ethnic groups. Malayalis are one of these. Many various wedding traditions develop in Kerala because it is a multicultural state where many different religions coexist. The Malayali Nair wedding, on the other hand, is the style of nuptial that is typically related to Kerala. These weddings are unique because they have unique wedding traditions that make the ceremonies enjoyable. At every single Kerala wedding, you may experience the cultural essence of Malayalam, which reflects the very soul of the state.
Basically, these weddings are very short and held in the morning. The bride's mother's home is the most popular place to hold a traditional Malayalee wedding. However, as time changes, individuals nowadays are choosing a location that is more convenient for both the bride's and the groom's families, such as the temple's theatre or the temple itself.
The following are some reasons why Hindu Malayali weddings are different from others:
- Timing: Generally, Hindu weddings and the majority of North Indian weddings take place after sunset. However, Malayali marriages frequently take place early in the day. The reason behind this is that the majority of South Indian people identify as Dravidian and according to Dravidians the period after the sunrise is auspicious because they consider that they are descended from the sun deity. On the paradoxical side, according to Aryans and other North Indians wedding rites are timed differently.
- Simple: Malayali weddings typically last a whole day and are over quite quickly. The Malayali weddings do not include any Sangeet and Mehandi ceremonies. However, in this modern scenario, some people have started this ceremony at Malayali weddings, but very rarely. And also there is not any loud music and dancing and every ceremony is done on the Muhoorat. The most impressive thing about Malayali weddings is their organization and peaceful atmosphere.
- The priest is not important: In a north Indian wedding, the priest plays a significant part because they are in charge of overseeing the entire process. However, in the case of Malayali weddings having a priest oversees the ceremony is not necessary. Basically, there is no priest, fire, or homam present in these weddings unless the event takes place in a temple. Modern weddings take place on a stage that is adorned with candles and flowers. A para or brass and a copper vessel full of nellu are always there.
- Tons of Gold: Malayali weddings are renowned for the quantity of gold worn by the bride. Both the bride and groom must dress in the customary kasavu settu saree, with the groom donning a mundu (Lungi) and shirt. There is no doubt that every woman loves to wear jewelry on her big day but the Malayali Bride is quite different from other brides because they wear tons of gold on the wedding day.
So by the dint of all the above-explained points, the Hindu Malayali weddings, as well as their customs, are distinct from other Indian weddings.
