An Indian wedding reception is a grand celebration where guests join to congratulate the newlyweds, enjoy lavish feasts, dance to lively music, and partake in traditional customs. The couple's grand entrance sets the tone, followed by warm blessings from family and friends. A sumptuous dinner of traditional Indian dishes awaits, accompanied by music and dancing. Cake cutting symbolizes their union, while photographers capture cherished moments. The evening concludes with heartfelt farewells as the couple begins their journey together, showered with blessings from loved ones.

A traditional Tamil wedding, known as "Kalyanam" or "Thirumanam," is steeped in rich rituals and cultural symbolism. Key ceremonies include the exchange of betel leaves and nuts, horoscope matching, ceremonial fasting, purification of the venue, symbolic departure and return of the groom, swinging ceremony, ceremonial giving away of the bride by her father, tying of the sacred thread (mangalsutra), taking of seven symbolic steps together, tying of the sacred yellow thread (thali), exchange of garlands, and receiving blessings from elders. These rituals signify the union of the bride and groom and their families, with each ceremony carrying deep cultural and spiritual significance.