This journey itself can be a festive event! The couple's car, often beautifully decorated, is the center of a small procession. Traditional music, or popular Tamil film songs, are played loudly as family and friends dance and cheer alongside the car. This energetic and modern tradition, a twist on the classic "Jana Vasam," is a public declaration of their happiness and marks their first moments as a married couple.The reception hall, a "Kalyana Mandapam," is transformed into a festive space with vibrant floral arrangements and elaborate décor. The couple, in their elegant reception attire (often a silk saree or lehenga for the bride and a suit or sherwani for the groom), takes their place on a beautifully decorated stage.Here, they greet hundreds of guests who queue up to offer blessings, take photographs, and present gifts, most commonly cash in an envelope. A lavish feast, featuring a mix of traditional South Indian delicacies and other cuisines, is the highlight.

A Tamil wedding ceremony at 4:30 AM is a deeply traditional and sacred event, meticulously planned to align with an auspicious time, known as the "muhurtham." This early start reflects the belief that beginning a new life at a blessed time ensures a prosperous and harmonious future.The ceremony takes place in a beautifully decorated "mantapam" (wedding hall) or temple. The air is filled with the fragrance of jasmine and the sound of Vedic chants. The rituals are performed by a priest, guiding the couple and their families through each step. Key moments include: Kanyadaan: The bride's father formally gives his daughter away to the groom. Mangalyam: The groom ties the sacred "thali" (a gold pendant on a yellow thread) around the bride's neck. This is the central and most significant moment of the wedding, symbolizing their union. The thali is blessed by elders before it is tied.Saptapadi: The couple takes seven steps around the sacred fire (agni). With each step, they make a vow