Every community in India has unique customs and rituals. These come to light most often during wedding ceremonies. The Nair community has a long and rich history, and their weddings have more than a few unique customs. Like other old communities, people in the Nair community typically look for partners through a matrimonial platform or friends and acquaintances. However, if you have found your partner and are planning a traditional Nair wedding, here are some customs you may want to acquaint yourself with.

1. Muhurtham

An astrologer plays a vital role at this time. Both families exchange horoscopes, and the astrologer compares charts to decide on a date for the wedding. Once the couple has decided to get married, the families come together to start planning the event. This is known as muhurtham.

2. Nischayam

Nischayam is the name given to the engagement ceremony. The ritual is considered a formal wedding announcement. The to-be bride and groom invite their friends and family and exchange rings in their presence, followed by a feast. Exchanging rings are known as mothirammaattal. The couple also receives gifts and blessings from the attending guests.

3. Ayana

This is a ceremony dedicated to the bride. The groom holds a similar ceremony at his residence. The bride dons a new silk saree and ornate gold jewelry for the ceremony. Elders in the family bless her.

4. Mehendi Ceremony

No Indian wedding is complete without a Mehendi ceremony. Remember Priyanka and Nick’s Mehendi function? Nair weddings too have a gala Mehendi ceremony. This is a fun-filled event where the bride’s hands are ornamented with intricate Mehendi patterns.

5. Dakshina Kodukkal

Dakshina Kodukkal is the last pre-wedding ritual. Here the bride and groom offer their parents and elders a ‘Dakshina, symbolized by giving a betel leaf with a betel nut and a coin placed on it, and seek their blessings while touching their feet. The ceremony is conducted just before the wedding; the bride and groom head to the wedding venue after getting blessed.

6. Kalyanam (the wedding ceremony)

The groom is the first to enter the ‘Kalyana or the wedding mandap. He is escorted by the bride’s younger siblings and cousins. The groom is seated on the right side of the mandap facing the east. After this, the bride is escorted by her younger siblings and cousins to the mandap. Her aunt then seats her beside the groom. A priest chants mantras, and the couple circles the holy fire. This is followed by the groom tying a ‘thalli’ or mangalsutra around the bride’s neck. This event is called ‘thallikettu.’

7. Pudamuri

This is another integral part of the wedding ceremony where the groom gives the bride a sari and an ornament, and she accepts them, symbolizing that she will be taken care of by the husband from then on. The ceremony then proceeds to the ‘Kannada and exchanging of garlands.

8. Kalyana Sadya

Sadya is an event everyone looks forward to in a wedding, sometimes just as important as the wedding itself. Sadya is a vegetarian meal served to the guests on a plantain (banana) leaf. The wedding Sadya can get as elaborate as you want; sometimes, the number of dishes, including the wide range of payasams (dessert) served, can cross 100.

Unlike most other wedding ceremonies in India, Nair wedding rituals are quick and straightforward. But that does not make them any less fun.