The Dhaarmik Traditions - Indic Studies Foundation

• Sumangli: Under this ceremony, ten married women (Sumangalis)
accompany the bride. Six of them hold plates full of rice and turmeric
powder mixed together. The remaining hold plates with small lamps
made from a mixture of rice flour, sugar and milk. Rice signifies
abundance while lit lamps represent sweetness and light, two qualities
that the bride brings with her to this new phase of life.
• Tying of the Mangalsutra: To carry out this ritual, the curtain
between the bride and the groom is removed. After offering prayers, the
groom ties the two strings each with a golden disc representing the
Mangalsutra separately around the bride's neck with three knots to
represent the strength of their union physical, mental and spiritual.
• Kanyadaan Akshata: After the mangalsutra ceremony, the
couple exchange garlands. Those present at the wedding shower their
blessings on the couple by sprinkling flowers and turmeric-colored rice
or Akshat on them.
• Saptapadi: 'Saptapadi' or seven steps are what the couple takes
together. In this ceremony the bride's saree and the groom's dhoti are
tied together at one end in a knot. In each step that he takes, the groom
prays for life-long blessings. During this ceremony, saris, ornaments and
other gifts are offered to the couple and to other family members.
• Sthaalipaakam: In this sweet ceremony, the groom slips silver toe
rings on the bride's feet. The girl is also adorned with a string of black
beads, to protect her from the evil eye.
Post-Wedding Rituals:
Given here is a short description of some prominent post-wedding rituals of a
traditional Telugu Wedding.
• Grihapravesh: When the marriage ceremony is over the bride is
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