Kamma weddings are known for their unique blend of traditional rituals and modern elements. They are vibrant, colorful, and full of life. The Kamma community is one of the prominent communities in South India, and their weddings are a perfect example of their rich cultural heritage. Here are some of the unique wedding rituals in Kamma weddings.
Nischithartham
Nischithartham is the formal engagement ceremony that takes place before the wedding. It is an important event where the bride’s and groom’s families exchange gifts and finalize the wedding date. The groom’s family visits the bride’s house with a tray of fruits, sweets, and clothes, which are offered to the bride’s family. The bride’s family, in turn, offers gifts to the groom’s family, including clothes, jewelry, and cash.
Pellikuthuru
Pellikuthuru is the traditional bridal shower that takes place a day before the wedding. It is a fun-filled event where the bride’s friends and family gather to celebrate the bride’s upcoming wedding. The bride is adorned with henna and jewelry, and her friends and family shower her with gifts.
Mappilai Azhaippu
Mappilai Azhaippu is a unique ritual in Kamma weddings, where the groom is welcomed into the bride’s house. The groom arrives at the bride’s house with his family, and the bride’s family welcomes them with aarti and offers them sweets and fruits. The groom is then given a traditional Kamma turban, which he wears for the rest of the wedding ceremony.
Kashi Yatra
Kashi Yatra is a playful ritual where the groom pretends to leave for Kashi (a pilgrimage site in India), indicating that he has no interest in marriage. The bride’s father convinces the groom to stay and offers his daughter’s hand in marriage. This ritual symbolizes the importance of family and the role of the father in finding a suitable partner for his daughter.
Jeelakarra Bellam
Jeelakarra Bellam is a unique ritual where the bride and groom exchange a mixture of cumin seeds and jaggery. The mixture is prepared by the bride’s family, and it symbolizes the couple’s commitment to support and care for each other throughout their married life.
Snathakam:
The Snathakam ceremony is an important ritual in Kamma weddings, which is conducted for the groom. In this ceremony, the groom is made to wear a sacred thread called ‘Janjam’. This thread is believed to protect the groom from evil spirits and other negative energies.
Madhuparkam:
Madhuparkam is another important ritual in Kamma weddings, where the bride wears a saree in a traditional way with a white base and a red border. The groom wears a dhoti and a white shirt. The Madhuparkam ceremony is considered auspicious and is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the couple.
Saptapadi:
Saptapadi is a ritual in Kamma weddings where the bride and the groom take seven vows around the holy fire. These vows symbolize their commitment towards each other and their journey together as a married couple. The couple takes seven steps together, and with each step, they recite a vow. The seven vows are a promise to each other to love, respect, and support each other in every phase of their life.
Appagintalu:
Appagintalu is a unique ritual in Kamma weddings, where the bride’s father-in-law gives her gifts and blessings. This ritual symbolizes the acceptance of the bride into the groom’s family and the start of a new relationship between the bride and her in-laws.
Grihapravesam
Grihapravesam is a ritual where the bride is welcomed into the groom’s house as a new member of the family. The bride is welcomed with aarti and is introduced to the other members of the family.