Aakhash Shankarr & Mahalakshmi's wedding
Day 1
Saturday, June 7, 2025
Chennai
India
Day 2
Sunday, June 8, 2025
Chennai
India
Day 3
Monday, June 9, 2025
Chennai
India
About the hosts
Aakhash Shankarr & Mahalakshmi's story
It all began at the office during a team outing. Initially, we were just colleagues, but as we spent more time together, our bond grew stronger. We shared laughs, stories, and became good friends. Over time, that friendship evolved into something deeper—love. Though nervous, we confessed our feelings for each other, and thankfully, it was reciprocated. The fear of ruining our friendship turned into joy as we began a new chapter together.
Next came the daunting task of telling our families. With mixed emotions, we shared the news, and to our relief, both families were supportive. This approval made the journey even more special, leading us to a traditional wedding filled with love and celebration.
From office colleagues to life partners, our story is a reminder that love can grow in the most unexpected places. What began as a simple friendship turned into a lifelong commitment, and I am grateful for every step of this beautiful journey.
Day 1Saturday, June 7, 2025Chennai
Starting time (approximately): 7:30 AM
Venue and host contact details will be disclosed upon booking.
Viratham and engagement
In a Brahmin wedding, Viratham (or Vratham) is a ritual that typically refers to a vow or an observance of fasting and spiritual discipline, often undertaken by the bride and groom or their families before the wedding. It can vary by regional customs, but its significance remains rooted in the idea of preparing oneself spiritually and mentally for the sacred union of marriage.
Reception
A marriage reception is a celebratory event held after the wedding ceremony, typically to honor and celebrate the newly married couple. It is an occasion for family, friends, and guests to gather and share in the joy of the couple's union. The reception is usually a more relaxed and festive event compared to the formalities of the wedding ceremony.
The reception is a joyful continuation of the wedding celebrations, focusing on fun, festivities, and togetherness as the couple begins their new life together.
Day 2Sunday, June 8, 2025Chennai
Starting time (approximately): 6:00 AM
Venue and host contact details will be disclosed upon booking.
Kasi Yatra
Kasi Yatra is an important and symbolic ritual in traditional Hindu weddings, particularly in South Indian Brahmin weddings. It signifies the groom's willingness to embrace spiritual life over material life, and it serves as a significant moment in the wedding ceremony.
Oonjal
Oonjal, also known as the swing ceremony, is an important ritual in traditional South Indian Hindu weddings, especially in Tamil and Telugu Brahmin weddings. It is a joyful and symbolic ceremony that takes place after the wedding has been solemnized, typically before the couple begins their life together as husband and wife. The word "Oonjal" translates to "swing" in Tamil, and this ritual involves the newly married couple sitting on a decorative swing.
Muhurtham
The Muhurtham event refers to the auspicious time or the specific moment that is considered most favorable for performing important rituals or ceremonies, particularly in Hindu weddings. The concept of muhurtham is deeply rooted in Hindu astrology, where certain times are deemed more auspicious than others for beginning significant life events. This special time is calculated based on astrological factors such as the position of planets, stars, and other celestial bodies.
Nalangu
In TamBram (Tamil Brahmin) weddings, the Nalangu ceremony is an important post-wedding event that is both fun and filled with cultural significance. During the Nalangu, the bride and groom are often made to participate in a variety of playful and lighthearted games, which add a sense of joy, laughter, and bonding before the wedding. These games, usually enjoyed by both the bride’s and groom’s families, are a way to celebrate the couple’s transition from individual lives to a shared marital life.
Day 3Monday, June 9, 2025Chennai
Starting time (approximately): 9:30 AM
Venue and host contact details will be disclosed upon booking.
Kattu Sadha Koodu
Kattu Saadha Koodu (also spelled Kattu Saadha Koodu) is a traditional Tamil Brahmin (TamBram) wedding ritual that is part of the post-wedding ceremonies, particularly in South Indian weddings. This ritual is filled with symbolism and is intended to bring good fortune, harmony, and blessings to the couple as they prepare for their wedding day.
