Kannada

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The state of Karnataka has a mixed population with Kannada people from all religion living here. Muslims, Christians, Jain and Buddhists are settled though the majority population is of Hindus. Kannada is commonly spoken across the state and the people are mostly known as Kannada language. Kannada Matrimony rituals depend on the religion and community.

The Kannada Matrimony Ceremony for the Hindu caste is simple affair. The wedding functions are simple and modest. Importance is given to carry the rituals as per their culture. Like every other Hindu community wedding, there are many rituals in Kannada matrimony. The wedding rituals can be divided into pre-wedding, post wedding and wedding day rituals.

Important Pre-Wedding Rites in Kannada Matrimony

There are many wedding rituals, which starts days before the actual day. One of the first and important rituals is the Nischay Tamulam. In this ritual, a formal agreement is done and the alliance is fixed. The boy and girl’s families organize a small ceremony. After matching horoscopes and asking consent, a suitable date is fixed for engagement ceremony. Gifts and sweets are exchanged between the families. A priest presides over the ceremony and recites vedic mantras.

Another very important and fun-filled ritual is the Kashi Yatra. In this ritual, the groom goes on a mock pilgrimage to the city of Kashi as he is not getting a suitable bride for himself. His maternal uncle then calls the girl and shows it to him. He then cancels his decision of going on a pilgrimage and agrees to make the girl his wife.

Worshipping the Naadi is also a pre-wedding ritual in Kannada Matrimony. The bride and the groom worship the bull-god and seek blessings.

Wedding Rites in Kannada Matrimony

Usually the wedding takes places in the daytime. The mandap is decorated with fresh flowers and lights. The wedding rituals start with the bride’s father welcoming the groom and washing his feet. This ritual is known as the Var Pooja. After this ritual, the bride arrives in the mandap and sits next to the groom. The Kannadiga bride wears traditional wedding attire of the state known as the navari. She also wears green glass bangles and fresh jasmine flowers adorn her hair. The groom also wears traditional clothing like silk dhoti and kurta.

The Kanyadaan ritual is an important one for the bride as her father finally gives her to the groom. The bride’s father holds her daughter’s hand and places it on the groom palm. Then he places betel and coconut on their hands and finally sprinkles holy water. This is known as Dhare Herdu tradition.

The groom also ties the mangalsutra, a black bead necklace worn by married women, around the bride’s neck. Then he holds her hand and takes seven circles round the yagna or holy fire. This is an important ritual and is known as Saptapadi. With this ritual, the priest declares them man and wife. The ritual of saptapadi solemnizes the wedding.

The wedding comes to an over with food served to guests and family members attending the wedding. The food is served in a traditional way with guests sitting on the floor and food served in banana leaves.

Post-Wedding Rites in Kannada Matrimony

The bride then leaves for the groom’s house where she is welcomes by her mother-in-law. A small ritual takes places, which is known as Grihapravesha. At the threshold of the house, a small bronze vessel filled with rice is placed. The bride is asked to knock the vessel of rice with her right foot. The bride does this and enters the house. The spilling of rice is considered auspicious and sign of good fortune.

The second ritual is giving a new name to the bride by the groom. The groom gives a new name to her wife and writes it on a plate filled with rice. A finger ring is used for to write the name on the rice-filled plate.

Reception Party in Kannada Matrimony

The groom’s family in honor of the new member of their house gives reception party. Relatives and close friends are invited for this party. They wish the newly married couple best of married life.

India is a land of diverse cultures and traditions. Weddings in particular, are celebrated with zeal and involve a lot of customs, celebrations, events and ceremonies. Each community celebrates wedding in a unique manner, incorporating rituals that have been passed on from previous generations. But there is one thing that’s common all Indian weddings and that is the bejeweled bride. The bride is adorned with exquisite jewellery from head to toe. When it comes to Kannada marriages, the bridal jewellery is chosen by the parents and relatives along with the bride.

Some tips to be followed by parents when purchasing jewellery

You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting Kannada traditional jewellery as there are many varieties to choose from. Following these tips will help you choose the best designs of bridal jewellery.

  • Before buying jewellery, make sure that you choose a reliable shop as there are many jewellery stores that pose hidden charges.
  • Always go for light weight jewellery as they will not be too heavy and you can wear them at ease. Almost all the jewellery stores provide special lightweight jewellery specifically crafted for weddings.
  • Do not forget to compare the rates of the jewels as it will help you save money. Check out a few stores, compare the rates and then choose the best one that charges reasonably and suits your budget as well.
  • Surf the internet and get an idea about the different types of fashion jewellery in Kannada. There are both online and regular shops that sell various types of antique jewellery at pocket-friendly rates.
  • The best time to buy wedding jewels is during festive season as many shops announce discounts and special offers.
  • Most of the shops sell latest models with diamonds, rubies embedded in platinum. This is preferred by many as platinum jewels are stylish and attractive to look at.

The Kannada grooms also purchases beautiful and stylish jewelleries for the bride and it mostly comprises of chains, bangles and earrings. The parents of the groom purchase specific ornaments such as the Thali, wedding rings, etc.

Important Kannada wedding jewellery items

These jewellery designs are attractive, traditional but at the same time have a contemporary feel to them. Here are some of the commonly used wedding jewellery items.

  • Netri Chutti – Worn on the forehead, Netri Chutti is a beautiful piece of jewellery that adds style and beauty to the bride’s eyes and forehead. Traditional Netri Chutti comprises of white and red stones, but nowadays different colored stones are also used.
  • Necklace – Necklaces come in different sizes ranging from short chains to long chains. They come in attractive stone colors, styles and designs and add sophistication and style of the bride.
  • Bangles – Bangles give a stylish look to the bride’s hands and they come in different sizes and patterns. Some wear gold bangles whereas others love to wear fashionable ones with stone work.
  • Jimki Mattal -It is one type of earring and it comes in elegant styles. They enhance the look of the bride. One can choose from short, medium and large Jimki Mattals.
  • Haram – Better known as long mala, Haram enhances the look of the bride. These thick and long chains come in traditional designs and add extra beauty to the bride!

There was a time when people used to consider Kannada families as bit traditional. But now, you will see that even they have become quite forward. So, if you are a new groom and have got the girl from a Kannada family then you can stay assured that you would have good gelling up with them. Kannada matrimony has so many rituals and customs. Thus, if you are a happy go lucky person who does not like to be part of such rituals then you must tame your mind a bit. It would be important that you have to get used to a few rituals. This is because; it would make the elders in the family happy.

The Kannada brides are pretty forward

It is important that note that even though the elders in a Kannada family would be more of the people who would love traditions, but the girls are quite forward. They are kept like in the way they can be all rounder. They respect the elders and at the same time they can work along with you. So, if you are a new groom then you must know what all rituals would be there and at the same time you should be happy that you found a girl which is really good by all means.

Tips you must remember

  • Being the new groom for a Kannada family, you must start respecting the elders. They would like talking to you and knowing things about you. It is not that they are interviewing you. But in reality, they just want to gel up with you.
  • In Kannada matrimony the relatives would call the new groom for lunch and dinner after the wedding. In fact, this is common for almost all castes. Thus, you should just find out from the bride as to who’s who and who’s doing what. This would help in keeping the conversations better.
  • You can find out from some Kannada friend as to what kind of dressing should be worn at the wedding. Also, there would be many side functions and what all clothing and attire should be worn. You can even find such details from the internet.
  • Being the groom to a Kannada family, the family would have a few expectations from you. These things are all emotionally attached and so you must try to fulfill them if possible.

Kannada people are very much sweet and they love authentic foods. If you have never tried such typical south Indian foods then you would feel bit different. Since you have got married to the Kannada bride, it would be vital to know a bit of the background and about the place. This will help in initiating the conversations. In one way, you must try to be part of the family and this would keep your wife happy forever. Every female wants that the husband should love and respect her family! So, just be sure as to how you wish to go ahead.


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