The Konkani Wedding

India’s rich culturaldiversity magnetisespeople from all around the world.

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They come here to soak and witness the magic that the country beholds. And when it comes to marriage, every state has its own version of weddings that redefines the verse ‘happily ever after’. Konkani people are known as Gaud Saraswat Brahmins and their weddings are immersed in the sanctity of pure customs and rituals – an ethereal affair where two souls meet each other and become one for eternity.

Before The Pre Wedding Rituals (Nandi Puja):

Nandi Puja takes place at least ten days prior to the espousal. The intention behind this puja is to gain the blessings of all the Gods and ancestors. A shashe poleru or thali (round platter) is prepared which contains rice and four coconuts. This puja is performed by the bride, along with her parents and dheddi (bride’s younger sister or a prospective bride). This puja is performed by married women only. On this day the bride receives glass bangles that she wears throughout the wedding..

Pre Wedding Rituals:

Prarthana: First day of the nuptials starts with the prarthana ceremony where the families of both bride and groom, at their respected houses, pray for the wedding to be free from omens.

Yeduru Kansani: The bride’s brother goes to the groom’s house to invite them for the rituals. Once the groom’s family arrives at the venue, they’re welcomed by the members of the bride’s family. Women from both the families prepare different thali decorated with the following:

1. Shashe poleru

2. Phool (flowers)

3. Paan (betel leaves ) and veedo (areca nut)

4. A thali is prepared with a kalash (round pot), called as kalash kannadi in the centre. This