Iyer Wedding Traditions
Kevin, alongside family and friends, enters the wedding hall, dancing and celebrating the entire way. He is then welcomed by the bride's family.
Kevin gets cold feet, so he decides to leave for pilgrimage to Kashi, with nothing but a walking stick, umbrella, a pair of slippers, and a hand fan (the ancient version of survival basics). The bride's father must convince him to stay and marry his daughter over the pursuit of enlightenment.
The bride comes in escorted by her brothers. The bride and groom greet each other by exchanging garlands. In Hindu tradition, exchanging garlands signifies acceptance as the other person as a partner in life. As a fun tradition, the couples' family will lift them on to their shoulders and Radhika and Kevin will compete to garland the other first.
Radhika and Kevin will then sit on a swing, symbolizing the ups and downs of life, which they will move through in harmony. Women will sing traditional songs and bless the new couple. The bride and groom are offered a banana dipped in milk.
The bride's father washes Kevin's feet with water (gives 'panigraham') as he believes that the groom is Lord Maha Vishnu and trusts that he will take good care of her.
Radhika will sit on her father's lap, as he gives her away. Radhika’s father places her right hand over Kevin's and holy water is poured over the palms of the couple. Kevin's family will present a new red traditional sari which Radhika will now change into. The color red seen in all Hindu weddings symbolizes the goddess Shakti, depicting courage, strength, and purity.
Kevin will tie the mangalsutra, a sacred necklace (similar to a wedding ring), around Radhika's neck as a symbol of marriage. His sister will tie the final knot, accepting Radhika into his family. As this happens, the Nadaswaram will play loudly in celebration.
Saptapadi quite literally translates from Sanskrit to ‘seven steps’. The couple takes seven full circles, walking clockwise around the fire, representing the seven principles and promises they make to each other:
1. To nourish each other
2. To grow together in strength
3. To preserve wealth
4. To share joys and sorrows
5. To take care of children and parents
6. To be together forever
7. To remain friends lifelong
Kevin gently places Radhika's foot on the proverbial grindstone near the fire and slips on a silver toe ring or 'metti' on her toe. Kevin and Radhika are shown the Arundhati star, which in Hindu mythology is the embodiment of the ideal couple.