3rd February - Wedding Day - Part III

Entering the Mandapam and the Dhara Vathu Koduthal

After the oonjal ceremony concluded, Sanjiv, still holding Priya’s hand, ceremoniously led her into the main wedding hall. The vadhyars resumed their chanting of mantra japam, setting the spiritual tone for the rituals to follow.

At this point, a symbolically significant ritual took place—Dhara Vathu Koduthal. Priya, seated on her father Srini’s lap, was formally handed over to Sanjiv. This is one of the most poignant moments in the wedding, marking the traditional kanyadaanam. The ritual precedes Priya’s change of attire and carries deep emotional and cultural weight.

The vadhyars chanted the appropriate mantras and presented the madisar (the traditional nine-yard saree) to Priya. She then left to change, having worn a six-yard saree until that point. Her return in the madisar would mark her formal transition into the role of a bride, now ready to step into the marital phase of her life.

Mangalyadharanam

By now, it was around 9:30 AM. The vadhyar had indicated earlier that Priya had until 10:00 AM to change into her madisar and return to the kalyana mandapam. To everyone’s pleasant surprise, the saree draper that Priya had arranged worked some magic—and by 9:45 AM, Priya was back, resplendent in a regal purple madisar, radiating grace and elegance.

A momentary hush descended upon the hall, followed immediately by a buzz of excitement as guests gravitated toward the stage where a chair had been placed in readiness for the next and most awaited ritual—Mangalyadharanam.

Srini was seated on the chair with Priya on his lap. Joining them on stage were Geetha, Sanjiv, Sarayu and Suresh, and other close family members, mamas and mamis, athais and athimbers, chithis and chithapas, periamma and periappas, thatha and patis, cousins, etc. Sanjiv’s cousin Sushmita stood just behind Srini, ready to assist with tying the sacred knot.

At exactly 9:51 AM, with the vadhyars chanting auspicious mantrams, and the mangalavadhyam (traditional wedding music) filling the air, Sanjiv tied the thali charadu around Priya’s neck. Guests showered the couple with akshathai (turmeric-coated rice) and flower petals, blessing them in unison.

Following this deeply emotional moment, guests—as is customary—started to move towards the stage to personally wish the couple and their families, offering greetings like “mattu ponnu vandhacha?” or “mappillai vandhacha?” depending on whom they were addressing.

To maintain the sanctity of the ongoing rituals, the vadhyars swiftly used the microphone to politely request the guests to hold back, explaining that some critical mantras and ceremonies were yet to be completed.

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