A Traditional Kongu Wedding | Abishek & Keerthana

Steeped in tradition and brimmed with emotions – that’s the Kongu wedding! Abishek and Kerrthana’s Kongu Vellalar wedding was a reflection of their beautiful personalities and charm. Right from the pre-wedding ritual to the wedding and reception, their unwavering spirit shone.

At DStudios, as a South Indian wedding photography team, our wish list is incomplete without a Kongu wedding! Let’s take you down the lane and show you how beautiful the Kongu wedding is.

The Kongu Wedding Traditions & Ceremonies

Abishek and Keerthana’s kongu wedding was magical and a soulful celebration rooted in kongu traditions. From Engagement(Nichayathartham) and Aakai Sutri Poduthal to the heartwarming Peneduthal and Arugu Manam, each ritual showcased the cultural heritage. Every attendee at the wedding is more than just a guest at a Kongu wedding. Everyone has a significant duty to perform.

All the old-age rituals and heartfelt moments blended beautifully. Speaking of rituals, a Kongu wedding is a photographer’s delight!

Want to get captured by our team of seasoned South Indian wedding photographers?

Naal Virundhu

The Kongu wedding ritual embarked with a pre-wedding wedding feast hosted by both families to offer gratitude and seek blessings for the harmonious marriage of Abishek and Keerthana.

Muhurtha Kaal ( Pandakaal Muhurtham)

Both families set up a symbolic wooden pole in their respective homes to seek blessings for the smooth conduct of the wedding. This is the most common ritual that you can find in the Kongu and other types of wedidngs.

Nichayathartham

The festivities began with a beautiful Engagement ceremony (Nichayathartham). The families formally agreed to the union and the air was brimmed with happiness and blessing. Before the grand traditional Kongu wedding started, the rituals were embarked.

Enai Seer (Sumangali Prarthanai)

Enai Seer is where the married women in the family are known as Sumangalis. They pray for a blissful marriage of the bride Keerthana. Also, it involved rituals like seeking blessings from ancestors and elders.

Aakkai Sutri Poduthal

In a significant ritual known as Aakkai Sutri Poduthal , a sacred thread was tied around a central pillar in the courtyard. With each thread tied, the household elders whispered the blessings for Abishek and Keerthana’s harmonious life. Capturing these beautiful emotions – the serious and thoughtful expressions of the elders and gratitude on the couple’s faces was truly beautiful.

Patni Seer ( Patni Mangala Snaanam)

Patni Seer is a fun-filled Kongu wedding ritual akin North Indian Haldi ritual. In this ceremony, the bride and groom are bathed in water infused with Turmeric, herbs, fruit peels and flower petals.

Padha Ani Anidhal

Padha Ani Anidhal is a unique Kongu wedding ritual where the bride and groom’s feet are adorned with ormets . This showcases their entry into married life with blessings.

Senchoru Anjadai Kazhithal

Senchoru Anjadai Kazhithal, in this ritual the red rice was blessed by the elders. And then it was sprinkled over the bride and groom. As a wedding photographer, we loved capturing the spontaneous joy on their faces surrounded by their loved ones. This was a true and beautiful kongu moments with colors, smile and blessings all in one frame.

Kappu Kattudhal

Next was another amazing Kongu tradition the Kappu Kattudhal. It was a solemn moment, as Abishek’s family tied a sacred thread on his wrist. It symbolized his vow to protect Keerthana.

Nattukal Vazhipadu

Nattukal Vazhipadu , the revered Kongu ritual. the family worshipped the sacred stone and paid homage to their ancestors.

Inai Seer

Followed by Inai seer , where both families exchanged gifts. It symbolized acceptance and unity. Capturing these moments, we felt the strong bond between the families, and the room filled with excitement.

Koodai Seer

Kudai Seer, it represents a beautifully decorated basket filled with gifts. These showed the richness of Kongu culture. As the basket passed hand to hand, we focused and captured all the intricate details and significance behinsd it.

Penneduthal

Penneduthal , is a heartwarming moment, where Keerthana is formally welcomed into Abishek’s family at the Mandapam. her nervous excitement was met with warm smiles and open arms from her new family. From our lens, this transition felt profound.

Aarugu Manam (Aaruku Ritual)

This is followed by Aarugu Manam, which involves sacred leaves for protection and prosperity. These are a few Kongu rituals that we enjoyed capturing followed by a Traditional Kongu wedding.

Muhurtham

Here comes the main and the beautiful part of the Kongu wedding- Mangalya Dharanam

This is the most sacred part of the ceremony where Abishek ties the thaali around Keerthana’s neck. It signified their beautiful union and followed by Sapthapathi (seven steps). Capturing all these moments was a true testament to Kongu culture.

Reception

Before their wedding day, they had a beautiful wedding reception. It was truly a delight ! The couple entered dressed in sophisticated attire that complemented their radiant smiles. We aimed to preserve the essence of this joyful prelude to their wedding day, a blend of tradition and modern elegance that highlighted the pride and happiness of both families.