19th October, 2025

7:00 AM - 1:00 PM (TBC)

Sri Guruvayoorappan Temple, Marlboro NJ

Traditional South Indian Breakfast and Lunch Served on Banana Leaves

Kashi Yatra (Groom's Ritual Departure) - 7:00 AM

The groom jokingly announces he’s off to live a life of asceticism—until the bride’s father persuades him to return and marry. This is symbolic and light-hearted.

Pada Puja / Bride Welcomes Groom - 8:00 AM

The groom is welcomed by the bride's family with aarti, garlands, and rituals. Sometimes this is accompanied by traditional music and dancers.

Muhurtham (Sacred Wedding Ceremony) - 9:00 AM

This is the heart of the wedding and includes several important steps:

Kanyadaanam – Giving away of the bride by her parents.

Mangalsutra Dharanam – The groom ties the sacred necklace (mangalsutra or thali) around the bride's neck.

Saptapadi (Pheras) – The couple takes seven symbolic steps together, each step representing a vow.

Nourishment:

Together, we promise to provide for each other and our household

with love, respect and nourishment.

Strength:

We promise to develop physical, mental, and spiritual strength to support

each other through life’s challenges.

Prosperity:

We vow to grow together in wealth and success through honest and honorable means.

Happiness:

We will share joy, love, and laughter—and cherish life’s blessings as partners.

Family:

We promise to care for our family, raise children with values, and support each other’s loved ones as our own.

Health & Harmony:

We commit to lifelong health, mutual understanding, and inner peace.

Friendship & Loyalty:

We pledge to be best friends, faithful partners, and companions for life

—bound by trust, love, and unity.

Homam - 10.30 AM

Offerings are made into the sacred fire to invoke divine blessings.

Talambralu / Kanyadanam Rituals - 11.30 AM

The bride and groom shower each other with rice or flower petals in a joyful, symbolic game of affection and prosperity.

Nalangu

There’s also a playful side to the wedding—family members tease the couple with games, and shower blessings. It’s a moment of laughter, joy, and love, surrounded by close family and traditions passed down through generations.

Rolling the Coconut: The bride and groom gently roll a coconut back and forth on the floor, symbolizing cooperation and communication in married life.

Breaking the Papad (Appalam): Each person places a papad on the other’s head and tries to crush it—playfully, of course! It’s meant to lighten the mood and add laughter.

Feeding Each Other Sweets: A sweet and affectionate game where the couple takes turns feeding each other traditional treats, symbolizing nurturing and care.

Toe Game: A small object (like a ring or coin) is placed between the couple’s feet, and they try to pick it up using only their toes. It’s harder than it looks—and always gets everyone laughing!

Sangeet

Wedding