Wedding traditions
Tamil wedding traditions and how to plan them
A Tamil Hindu wedding is often a morning ceremony timed to the muhurtham. After the nichayathartham engagement and the panda kaal prayer, the groom’s playful Kashi yatra, the maalai maatral garland exchange and the oonjal swing lead into the kanyadaanam, the tying of the thali with three knots, and the saptapadi.
A note on variation
Iyer, Iyengar, Chettiar, Mudaliar and other Tamil communities, as well as Sri Lankan Tamil families, have their own customs. Your priest and families will decide which rituals your wedding includes.
Which events come before the wedding?
- Nichayathartham: the formal engagement between the families.
- Panda kaal muhurtham: a prayer to begin the wedding preparations.
- Vratham: prayers for the bride and groom in their own homes.
- Janavasam or mappillai azhaippu: the welcome of the groom, often the evening before.
What happens at the ceremony?
- Kashi yatra: the groom sets off with an umbrella and a walking stick for a life of study, and the bride’s father persuades him to marry.
- Maalai maatral: the couple exchange garlands, often lifted high by their uncles.
- Oonjal: the couple sit on a swing while women of the family sing and circle them with coloured rice balls.
- Kanyadaanam: the bride’s father gives her hand, often with the bride seated on his lap.
- Mangalya dharanam: at the muhurtham, the groom ties the thali with three knots, as the nadaswaram and drums play.
- Saptapadi: seven steps around the fire, followed in many families by stepping on a grinding stone (ammi midhithal) and being shown the Arundhati star.
- Nalangu: light-hearted games between the couple.
What should we plan with our vendors?
- An early start for a morning muhurtham: makeup, hair and saree draping, and venue access; see our makeup artist guide.
- A swing for the oonjal, the mandap and the fire with your decorator and venue.
- Nadaswaram and thavil musicians, or recorded music, cued for the thali tying.
- A caterer for South Indian food, including a traditional meal on banana leaves if wanted.
Frequently asked questions
What is the oonjal ceremony?
The couple sit on a swing while married women of the family sing and circle them with coloured rice balls to ward off bad luck.
What is the Kashi yatra?
A playful ritual in which the groom pretends to leave for a life of study in Kashi, and the bride’s father persuades him to return and marry his daughter.
Why are Tamil weddings often in the morning?
The thali is tied at the muhurtham, an auspicious time set by the priest, which is often in the morning. A lunch for guests usually follows.
Keep planning
Compare with Telugu wedding traditions, read the ceremony basics, or browse all our planning guides.