In South India, each state has its unique customs for their weddings. One such popular wedding culture in south Indian wedding occurs between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, known as Telugu wedding it is rich in tradition and culture.
Telugu wedding ceremonies are the traditional marriages especially held by the Telugu people. They are strongly influenced by their culture, with practices deeply rooted in their traditions. They include Telugu ceremonies such as Pellikuturu/ Pellikoduku, and Mangala Snanam with modern touch such as Sangeet, Mehendi and Haldi
In the earlier period, Telugu weddings would upto 16 to 19 days. However, as time has passed, weddings have been decreased to 3-5 days. Telugu wedding customs are bright, complex, and colorful celebrations filled with meaning and history.
Like many Indian wedding ceremonies, this ceremony ends up with Telugu couple's spiritual, physical, and emotional connection.
Telugu Wedding Rituals
A wedding ceremony is not only a union of 2 people but also a union of 2 families. The Telugu marriage is truly based on the south Indian Telugu wedding ritual, which is a hereditary custom extremely unique to the Telugu people.
While we all like attending south Indian Telugu weddings and participating in traditional Telugu wedding ceremony, only few of us truly understand the purpose and meaning behind them.
NICHAYATHARTHAM
What Happens:
Nichayathartham, this telegu wedding ritual is held to announce the auspicious day and time of marriage. Following this, the pair of engagement rings will be exchanged.
Photo to be taken:
- Close-up shots of ring exchange.
- Families exchanging coconut, clothes, and sweets.
- Bride and groom's candid moments.
PELLIKUTURU
What Happens:
Pellikuturu also known an haldi ceremony solely for Telugu bride. This telugu wedding ritual takes place few days before the wedding day especially at the Telugu bride's home. In this ritual, nalangu contains turmeric is applied to the bride's body, followed by the bath with turmeric water to purify the body and mind before the sacred ritual of the wedding.
Photo to be taken:
- Candid shots of turmeric paste applied on the bride cheeks and hands.
- Decor details: flower garlands, peeta, mangala dravyalu (ritual items).
PELLIKODUKU
What Happens:
Pellikoduku also known an haldi ceremony solely for Telugu groom. This telugu marriage ritual takes place few days before the wedding day especially at the Telugu groom's house. In this ritual, nalangu contains turmeric paste is applied to the groom's body, followed by the bath with turmeric water to purify the body and mind before the sacred ritual of the wedding.
Photo to be taken:
- Candid shots of turmeric paste gently applied to the groom’s cheeks
- Wide shot of the beautifully decorated peeta and backdrop
- Telugu Groom’s expressions during teasing moments
- Family group photos with everyone dressed in festive attire
MANGALA SNANAM
What Happens:
(Mangala means holy, and 'Snanam' means bath). This ritual takes place on the wedding morning, where the groom and bride are taken for ceremonial baths with turmeric and scented oils to purify the body and soul. The event will take place at an auspicious time. After the bath, the bride and groom are dressed in the first set of wedding attire and then proceed with the remaining rituals.
Photo to be taken:
- Candid shots of turmeric being applied.
- Slow-motion clips of water being poured.
- Family members laughing during the ritual.
SNATHAKAM
What Happens:
The word "Snathakam" means that transition from student life (Brahmacharya) to married life. In past centuries, Telugu boys were sent away to sages to learn the holy scriptures. When they returned, they had to conduct Snathakam, which meant that their schooling was completed and then they should focus on new responsibilities such as starting family life.
Photo to be taken:
- Groom in traditional wedding attire (white dhoti) and sacred thread across his chest.
- Close-up shots of fire Telugu Wedding Rituals (Homam) and offerings.
- Priest guiding the groom with Vedic texts.
- Candid shots during vows and blessings.
KASHI YATRA
What Happens:
Kashi Yatra is a fun event in which the groom claims to go for Kashi yatra, so the bride's siblings steps in and convinces him to marry his sister. When the groom accepts to marry, the bride's family warmly welcome him.
Photo to be taken:
- Bride’s brother stopping him with folded hands and a smile.
- Groom’s playful expression during the “emotional blackmail”.
Ganesh Pooja
What Happens:
Ganesh Pooja is the first Telugu ritual that happens in the mandap. The groom must participate in this ritual. This pooja takes place to ensure that the wedding runs smoothly and that the Telugu couple lives a happy and successful life together.
Photo to be taken:
- Close-up shots of Lord Ganesha.
- The groom offering flowers with folded hands.
- Aarti moment with flames glowing in low light.
Gauri Pooja
What Happens:
On the other hand, the Telugu bride prays to Goddess Gauri, who represents the victory of good over evil, motherhood, and the bride-to-be seeks for her blessing.
Photo to be taken:
- Candid shots of heart-warming moments with the bride’s parents during blessings.
- Traditional shot of the pooja setup with the bride in traditional attire.
Kanyadaan/Kanyadanam and Panigrahanam
What Happens:
In this ritual, the bride's father hands their daughter to him and the groom swears to love, cherish, respect, and protect his daughter for the rest of his life.
Photo to be taken:
- Candid moments of the bride’s father handing their daughter's hand to groom.
Jellakara Bellam
'Jeelakara' known as cumin and 'Bellam' refers to jaggery in Telugu. This ritual starts with the couple covered their hands in cumin and jaggery paste. This Telugu marriage ritual takes place at the muhurtham time. As soon as the sacred time occurs, the Telugu pair applies this paste to each other's heads by moving their hands over the curtain. This Telugu routine represents the couple's dedication to each other on their ups and downs of life.
Photo to be taken:
- Telugu marriage pics of curtain held between bride and groom.
- Before and after curtain drop pics.
- The exact moment the couple places the paste on each other’s heads.
- First glance of couple looking at each other after the curtain drops.
Mangalsutram
Once the curtain is lifted, the groom ties a mangalsutra around the bride's neck in three knots. This symbolizes them as husband and wife legally.
Photo to be taken:
- Mangalsutra in the priest’s hand before tying.
- The moment each knot is tied.
- Bride’s rollar-coaster emotions.
Talambralu
The couple showers each other with a mix of rice, turmeric, and petals symbolises love, prosperity and affection.
Photo/Video Ideas:
- Candid shots of rice pouring at each other's heads.
- Laughter and playful expressions.
Saptapadi and Sthaalipaakam
What Happens:
The couple takes seven steps around the fire, each step signifying a vow. After that the groom puts a pair of toe rings on the bride’s toe.
Photo/Video Ideas:
- Overhead shots of the couple walking together.
- Footprints in flower petals.
- candid shots of toe ring.
Appagintalu (Bride’s Farewell)
What Happens:
At last the bride bids farewell to her family and starts a new life at her in-law's home. A tearful yet hopeful moment.
Photo/Video Ideas:
- Hugging family members.
- Candid shots of Tears and smiles.
- Shots of Bride being led to the car.
Conclusion:
Telugu weddings are more than a union of two people they are a fusion of culture, tradition, laughter, and emotion. Whether you're documenting the event or simply photograph it, every ritual has its own story.
FAQ:
What do Telugu people wear for a wedding?
Telugu wedding, usually bride wear silk saree for her wedding with a vibrant colour of gold, red, green or white. Where as Groom wears a white dhoti and shirt.
How long is a Telugu wedding?
In the earlier period, Telugu weddings would last upto 16 to 19 days. However, as time has passed, Telugu weddings have been decreased to 3-5 days.
What is Telugu Wedding photography?
The lovely moments and cultural spirit of Telugu weddings rituals are captured through Telugu wedding photography, which also showcase their rich customs and colorful celebrations.
