Karthika Weds Ashwin

30 March 2015Chennai, India

Raghu Lakshminaarayanan (lakshminaarayan) lakshminaarayan

Indian Weddings in general spell a riot of colours, gala, gaiety and splendour. South Indian brahmin weddings are spread anywhere between one and a half to two and a half days filled with elaborate rituals and poojas. The attached images are from a South Indian Tamil Brahmin Iyyangar wedding. Weddings of this sect in Tamil Nadu is characterised by elaborate costume changes for the bride – a minimum of 6 sarees to be worn throughout the wedding. The bride also sports a special hair do. Apart from the traditionally decorated single braid at the back this consists of what is known as the "Andaal Kondai" on the left hand side of the head placed at an inclined position. The "Kondai" is made of hair rolled into a small conical shaped round that is adorned with pearls and gems with strands of pearls hanging from the top. This hair do was sported by Andal who belonged to the 10th Century [ She one amongst the 12 Alwars known for their Bakthi or Reverance to Lord Vishnu as testified in their poetic works in praise of the Lord] and known as the Queen of Bakthi in South India. There are several rituals that are performed on the day prior yo the wedding. On the wedding day the bride is given a special saree called ' Madisar' which is 9 yards in length [ as against the normal 6 yards in a regular saree] by the groom and the important ritual of the 'Maangalya Dharanam' or tying of the 'Thaali' (nuptial knot) is done after she changes into the Madisar. The groom is also attired in a Yellow coloured 'Panchakacham' where in the dhoti is tied in a particular manner. The specially bought Cream colored Dhoti is dipped in turmeric water by the ladies the previous day and left to dry. Hence the yellow hue. Weddings are full of drama and emotions and hence the images are always full of life. Images turn out even more amazing when the bride happens to be bubbly, radiant and chirpy all the way. The bride here is Karthika who was oozing energy and exuberance from the word go. She was completely at ease and enjoyed every moment of the wedding, clearly realising that this was once in a lifetime event. With an expressive bride next to him the groom had to give up on his sobriety and the result was some wonderful moments for us to click. The couple took pains to understand the significance of the wedding vows tutored through the various rituals and went through the motions with absolute sincerity. "Nalangu", which happens post "Muhurtham", (auspicious time when the nuptial knot is tied solemnising the wedding), a tradition is still practised albeit its original intention, supposed to be ice-breaker between the newly married couple. Now it is more for the fun of the onlookers and relatives present. It is an an event with high drama like a tug of war with a coconut and smashing of the "Pappads" on each other's head. This was one of those weddings where the couple was an absolute joy to click since they were full of life and complete involvement.

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Agustin Regidor (agustinregidor) agustinregidor

Precioso

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