Ceremony & Traditions
What each ritual meant to us, and who made it happen.
We combined Kanav's Punjabi Jain traditions with Aditi's Tamil Hindu traditions into one ceremony. Some guests had seen these rituals many times; others were encountering them for the first time. This guide is for both — a personal map of the day, not an encyclopedia.
Tamil and Hindi ritual names are written in their original scripts. Hover or long-press any script line for an approximate pronunciation guide.
Sankalpa & Agni Pradakshina
संकल्प · अग्नि प्रदक्षिणा
Participants: Kanav, Karun, and Seema Jain.
The sacred fire was lit, and the priest led everyone through the Sankalpa — the intention-setting that opens the wedding. Kanav entered with his parents, and together they completed the first circumambulation around the fire. For us, this was the moment the wedding officially began: both families present, no stagecraft, just the commitment.
Music: Ganesh Stuti processional.
Jai Mala — Garland Exchange
जय माला
Participants: Kanav and Aditi.
Aditi entered under the phoolon ka chadar, a floral canopy held over her head. We exchanged garlands as a public "yes" — the first time we faced each other in front of everyone as bride and groom. It felt light and joyful, a welcome before the heavier vows.
Music: Jashn-E-Bahaara from Jodhaa Akbar.
Granthi Bandhanam & Dupatta Blessing
ग्रंथि बंधनम् · दुपट्टा आशीर्वाद
Participants: Kanav and Aditi, with the dupatta placed by Dimple Aunty and Raj Uncle.
Our garments were tied together, and a family dupatta was placed over our shoulders. The knot is practical symbolism: from here on, we move together. The dupatta came from Kanav's side, blessed by an aunt and uncle who have been like family anchors.
Kasi Yatra
காசி யாத்திரை
Participants: Kanav, Mr. Mukund, and the Tamil priest.
In this traditional ritual, the groom symbolically announces that he is leaving for Kashi to pursue a spiritual life. The bride's father invites him back into family life and marriage. Mr. Mukund stepped in warmly, with first-class Emirates tickets becoming part of the exchange.
Music: Traditional Nadaswaram.
Sita Kalyanam — Bride's Entry
சீதா கல்யாணம்
Participants: Aditi, escorted by her maternal uncles.
Aditi entered to Sita Kalyanam, mirroring Sita's sacred wedding procession. The reference is deliberate: a bride entering with grace, surrounded by family, ready to meet her partner. Her uncles walked her in, which made the moment feel deeply rooted in her mother's side of the family.
Music: Sita Kalyanam (traditional Carnatic).
Oonjal — The Swing Ceremony
ஊஞ்சல்
Participants: Aditi and Kanav, with aunts performing aarthi and uncles managing the swing.
We sat on a swing while the women of the family performed aarthi and sang Malai Matinal. The swing represents life's ups and downs — the idea that marriage will move through joy and difficulty, and that family is what steadies you through both.
Music: Malai Matinal, sung by family.
Kanyadanam
கன்னியாதானம்
Participants: Mr. Mukund, Aditi, and Kanav.
Aditi sat on her father's lap as he placed her hand in Kanav's. The priest said that one Kanyadanam blesses twenty-one generations. For our families, this was the emotional center of the ceremony: the moment Mr. Mukund entrusted Aditi to the Jain family.
Music: Getti Melam.
Thali — Tying of the Mangalsutra
தாலி · मंगलसूत्र
Participants: Kanav and Aditi, with Pari helping steady the Thali.
Kanav tied the Thali around Aditi's neck. In a Tamil wedding, this is the moment you become husband and wife. Pari stood close to help, which made it feel like the Jain family was not just receiving Aditi but actively welcoming her in.
Laja Homa, Panigrahanam & Saptapadi
லாஜா ஹோமம் · பாணிக் கிரகணம் · சப்தபதி
Participants: Kanav and Aditi.
We offered puffed rice into the fire, Kanav took my hand in Panigrahanam, and we walked seven steps — each one a vow. These are the quietest but most binding moments: no performance, just the two of us and the fire, making promises.
Toe Rings, Anklets & Varanaayaram
மெட்டி · குளிகை போடுதல்
Participants: Masa (Vikram's wife) placed toe rings; Samir placed anklets; Kanav and Aditi rolled coconuts toward each other.
Masa, who is family on the Jain side, placed the traditional toe rings. Samir, Kanav's brother and best man, placed the anklets. The coconut rolling closes the ritual sequence with levity, a reminder that ceremony can hold joy alongside solemnity.
Final Ashirvadam & Recessional
ஆசீர்வாதம் · आशीर्वாद
Participants: Both families and elders.
The priest declared us married, and both families came forward for final blessings. We walked out to Another Sunny Day, carrying the warmth of the moment even through the gray weather.
Music: Another Sunny Day by Belle and Sebastian.
What is said during the rituals
A plain-English sense of the words, songs, and exchanges guests could not hear or translate.
Sankalpa & Agni Pradakshina
The priest announces the couple's names, lineage, and intention to marry. The family circles the fire while mantras ask for blessings on the union.
Jai Mala
The exchange is wordless, but family and guests call out blessings and shower the couple with flower petals as the garlands go on.
Granthi Bandhanam & Dupatta Blessing
The priest recites blessings for unity while the garments are tied and the dupatta is placed over the couple's shoulders.
Kasi Yatra
Kanav symbolically prepares to leave for Kashi. Mr. Mukund invites him back to marry Aditi, offering gifts and promises in the exchange.
Sita Kalyanam & Bride's Entry
The hymn narrates Sita's wedding procession to Rama. Aditi enters in the same spirit, surrounded by her mother's family.
Oonjal
Women sing Malai Matinal and perform aarthi while the couple sways. The lyrics celebrate the bride and ask for a steady married life.
Kanyadanam
Mr. Mukund speaks the giving of his daughter. The priest recites the kanyadanam mantras, saying the gift of a daughter blesses many generations.
Thali Tying
The priest recites the mangalya dharana mantras. Kanav ties the thali while family members witness the moment the couple becomes husband and wife.
Laja Homa, Panigrahanam & Saptapadi
The priest leads each vow. The couple offers puffed rice into the fire, Kanav takes Aditi's hand, and they take seven steps, each one a spoken promise.
Toe Rings, Anklets & Varanaayaram
Elders bless the bride as the toe rings and anklets are placed. Family gathers close as the couple rolls coconuts toward each other.
Final Ashirvadam
The priest declares the marriage complete. Family elders come forward to whisper or speak short blessings over the couple.