shivraj & Tejaswini's wedding
Day 1
Sunday, April 20, 2025
Solapur
Day 2
Monday, April 21, 2025
Solapur
About the hosts
shivraj & Tejaswini's story
My South Indian wedding is a grand celebration where two families come together, not just to unite us but to strengthen lifelong bonds with rich traditions. From the Nischayathartham (engagement ceremony) to the playful Kashi Yatra, where I pretend to renounce worldly life before being lovingly persuaded to marry, every ritual is filled with joy and meaning. As I stand at the mandap, the sacred Agni (fire ritual) burns brightly, and the rhythmic chants of Vedic hymns fill the air. My bride, adorned in a stunning silk saree and temple jewelry, walks towards me, marking the beginning of our beautiful journey. The joyous Oonjal (swing ceremony) symbolizes stability, while the vibrant Nalungu brings laughter and fun with music, dance, and playful traditions. With the beats of Nadaswaram and Thavil echoing in the background and a grand feast served on banana leaves, our wedding is a true cultural spectacle that leaves every guest mesmerized!
Day 1Sunday, April 20, 2025Solapur
Starting time (approximately): 5:00 PM
Venue and host contact details will be disclosed upon booking.
Marriage Varat
In an Indian wedding, the Varat is a grand and joyous wedding procession where the groom, accompanied by his family and friends, arrives at the bride’s house or wedding venue with great enthusiasm. The groom, traditionally riding a ghodi (horse) or sometimes in a decorated car, is welcomed with dhol-tasha beats, lezim performances, and traditional music. The atmosphere is filled with energy as everyone dances and celebrates, making it a spectacle of joy and festivity. Upon arrival, the bride’s family warmly greets the groom with an aarti and tilak, marking the beginning of the sacred wedding rituals. The Varat is not just a procession but a vibrant expression of happiness, unity, and cultural pride.
Haladi
In an Indian wedding, the Haldi ceremony is a beautiful and joyful pre-wedding ritual symbolizing purity, prosperity, and protection from evil. A fragrant paste made of turmeric, sandalwood, and rosewater is applied to the groom and bride separately at their respective homes by family and friends. The ceremony begins with Ganpati puja, followed by family members applying the haldi mixture on the groom’s face, hands, and feet while singing traditional wedding songs. The atmosphere is filled with laughter, as guests playfully apply haldi to each other, turning it into a fun-filled celebration. The bride and groom are then blessed for a happy and prosperous married life. This sacred ritual not only enhances the couple’s glow but also strengthens family bonds with love and tradition.
Day 2Monday, April 21, 2025Solapur
Starting time (approximately): 11:00 AM
Venue and host contact details will be disclosed upon booking.
Wedding Day
A Lingayat South Indian wedding unites two families through a series of sacred rituals. It begins with Mandap Puja, purifying the venue, followed by Ganapati Puja for blessings and Dev Karya to honor ancestors. The groom’s grand Baraat, accompanied by music and dance, marks his arrival. After a warm welcome with Aarti and Jaanvaas, the bride’s father performs the Dhareherdu ceremony by pouring holy water. The couple then takes seven steps (Saptapadi) around the sacred fire, with the Mangalsutra Dharana and Sindoor marking their eternal bond. Kanyadaan formalizes the bride’s giving away, and a glance at the Arundhati star symbolizes lifelong devotion. The day concludes with an emotional Bidaai and a prosperous Griha Pravesh as the bride is welcomed into her new home.
Guggul
In a South Indian wedding, particularly in Lingayat and Kannada traditions, the Googala (Guggul) ceremony is a unique and playful post-wedding ritual symbolizing joy, bonding, and the beginning of a new journey for the couple.
During this ritual, a sacred mixture of jaggery, sesame seeds, and ghee is prepared and placed on a winnowing basket (Mora or Supa). The bride and groom take turns playfully tossing the mixture in the air while the family and guests sing traditional songs and cheer them on.
The Googala ceremony signifies prosperity, sweetness in their married life, and a strong bond between the couple. It is also seen as a fun way for the newlyweds to interact and share laughter amidst the sacred wedding traditions.
The ritual creates a lively atmosphere where family members engage in lighthearted teasing and celebrations, making it a memorable moment in the wedding festivities.