Soma & Jayasri's wedding
Day 1
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Tirupati
About the hosts
Soma & Jayasri's story
We got to know each other through a common friend, and from the very beginning, his intentions were clear — he spoke to me directly about marriage, not just love. That honesty touched my heart because I believe in traditional values and always felt that the love between husband and wife is the purest form.
I took my time to understand and accept this relationship. With patience, care, and respect, he stood by me through everything. In a country like India, where convincing families is not always easy, our journey came with its own share of struggles. But with faith, perseverance, and the kind support of my sister, he convinced his family, and together we convinced mine.
We both are software engineers (she is 26, and he is 28), and we strongly believe that love after marriage is the most precious kind of love — built on trust, understanding, and lifelong commitment.
We warmly invite you to be a part of our celebration and bless us as we begin this beautiful new chapter of our lives.
Day 1Wednesday, March 4, 2026Tirupati
Starting time (approximately): 12:00 PM (noon)
Venue and host contact details will be disclosed upon booking.
Prathanam
In a Telugu / South Indian Hindu marriage, “Prathanam” (or “Pradhānam / Pradhanam”) is a pre-wedding ritual that usually happens before the main muhurtham.
What happens in Prathanam (Pradhānam) ritual?
Here’s the usual sequence:
1. Blessings & Purification
Both families gather.
The bride and groom are blessed by elders.
A small purification ritual with holy water/turmeric may be performed.
2. Offering to Ancestors & Deities
Prayers are offered to ancestors and family deities.
This is done to seek blessings for a smooth, auspicious wedding.
3. Exchange of Gifts Between Families
Both families exchange:
clothes,
fruits,
sweets,
turmeric & kumkum
Symbolizes acceptance and respect.
4. Preparation of Talambralu / Jeelakarra-Bellam
If the wedding includes the Talambralu ritual later, the preparation may start during Prathanam.
5. Setting Intent for the Marriage
The priest recites mantras.
The couple’s union is blessed formally.
Reception
1. Bride & Groom Grand Entry
The couple enters together, often with music.
Guests stand and welcome them.
2. Stage Greeting / Photo Session
The bride and groom sit on a decorated stage.
Guests come up to:
Congratulate them
Give blessings
Take photos
This is the longest part of most receptions.
4. Cake Cutting (optional, modern)
Many couples cut a cake together.
They may feed each other a small piece.
5. Dinner / Buffet
Guests are served food (veg / non-veg depending on tradition).
The couple may join after the stage program ends.
6. Music / Dance (optional)
Based on the family’s preference:
DJ or live music
Traditional dance performances
Couple’s first dance (modern)
7. Socializing & Enjoyment
Families meet, talk, and celebrate together.
Photos, videos, and candid moments.
8. Gifts & Blessings
Guests may bring gifts or envelopes.
Vakkaku sastram
In the Tirupati–Rayalaseema region, the “Vakkalu / Vakkau Śāstram” (also called Vākya Śāstram or Māṭala Śāstram) during a Telugu wedding is a traditional omen-reading ritual performed to check whether the marriage will be auspicious and blessed.
How it is done (Tirupati regional style)
Step-by-step:
Priest/eldest lady waits silently for a moment of “divine response.”
They listen to the very first spoken word or sound heard outside the mandapam:
A passerby’s words
A conversation from nearby rooms
A child crying or laughing
An item falling
Any natural sound
The sound/word is interpreted according to traditional omen rules.
If the omen is positive, marriage rituals continue happily.
If the omen is not good, a pariharam (remedial chant or blessing) is done instantly to neutralize it.
kanyadam
Kanyadanam is one of the most sacred moments of a Telugu wedding. During this ritual, the bride’s parents formally offer their daughter to the groom with their blessings. The bride sits with her parents, and the priest guides the couple to join their hands. Holy water is gently poured over their hands while traditional mantras are chanted. This symbolizes purity, blessings, and the parents’ heartfelt trust in giving their daughter to her new partner. After this, the parents shower the couple with rice and wish them a joyful, prosperous married life.
Symbolic Meaning of Kanyadanam:
The bride is seen as a gift of love, not property.
The ritual teaches that the marriage is not just between two people but between two families.
It shows the trust the parents place in the groom.
Geelakarra Bellam
On a small plate, the priest blesses jeelakarra (cumin seeds) and bellam (jaggery), preparing the most meaningful mixture of the ceremony. The couple receives the mixture in their hands as the priest chants mantras that pray for strength, mutual support, and the ability to navigate life’s ups and downs together. At the exact auspicious second, the tera is lowered, and for the first time as husband and wife, they see each other directly, symbolizing clarity, acceptance, and unity. They place the jeelakarra bellam on each other’s heads, marking the moment they spiritually become one. It is believed in Telugu tradition that once the Jeelakarra Bellam ritual is completed, the couple is bound together in spirit, mind, and heart in a way that cannot be separated. The mandapam fills with music, blessings, and the glow of sacred lamps, creating an atmosphere that feels timeless and divine.
Marriage
Thāli tying or Mangalya Dharanam, the moment during which the bride and groom officially become husband and wife. As the priest chants auspicious mantras and relatives shower akshata (turmeric rice) on the couple, the groom gently ties the sacred mangalsutra—also called the thāli—around the bride’s neck.
Talambralu- one of the most lighthearted and playful parts of the wedding. Saptapadi -- or the seven steps around the sacred fire—which is regarded as the spiritual core of a Hindu marriage. Holding hands, the couple takes seven symbolic steps together around the flame,.Toe Ring ceremony (Metluganta)-- The groom gently slips silver toe rings onto the second toe of the bride’s feet. Appagintalu -- the formal send-off of the bride from her maternal home.
Arundhati Nakshatram Darshanam--- where the priest takes the couple outside to show them the star Arundhati.
