Nischitartham (Engagement ceremony) • Formal announcement and exchange of gifts. • Families confirm the alliance officially. 2. Pendlikoothuru / Pellikoothuru • Pre-wedding ritual where turmeric paste is applied to bride and groom separately for purity and blessings. 3. Snathakam • Groom performs rituals marking his transition to the householder stage of life. 5. Mangala Snanam • Sacred bath for purification on the wedding day. 6. Ganesh Puja • Worshipping Lord Ganesha for blessings. 7. Kanyadanam • Bride’s parents give their daughter to the groom, placing her hand in his. • This is one of the most emotional parts. 8. Jeelakarra Bellam • Bride and groom place a paste of cumin (jeelakarra) and jaggery (bellam) on each other’s heads, symbolizing inseparable bonding. 9. Mangalsutra Dharana • Groom ties the sacred thread (mangalsutra) around the bride’s neck in 3 knots, symbolizing union of mind, body, and soul.