Ganapati Pooja – The ceremony starts with a prayer to Lord Ganesha for a smooth and auspicious event. Ring Exchange (optional) – In modern times, some Tamil families also include a ring exchange between the bride and groom. Reception Ceremony The reception, held either on the evening before the wedding or after the wedding rituals, is a grand celebration where friends and extended family come to bless the newlyweds. Key highlights include: Photo Sessions – Guests line up to greet and take photos with the couple, often presenting them with gifts. Lavish Feast (Virundhu Sappadu) – A grand Tamil feast is served on banana leaves, featuring dishes like sambar, rasam, kootu, poriyal, appalam, and payasam. Dance & Entertainment (in modern receptions) – While traditional receptions are more formal, modern Tamil receptions sometimes include dance performances or DJ music.

Key Rituals of the Muhurtham Ceremony 1. Kashi Yatra (காசி யாத்திரை) – A Fun Tradition Before the wedding rituals begin, the groom playfully declares that he will renounce worldly life and become a sage, heading to Kashi (Varanasi). The bride’s father or brother then convinces him to stay and marry the bride, symbolizing his acceptance of married life. 2. Pada Pooja (பாத பூஜை) – Honoring the Groom The bride’s parents wash the groom’s feet with water, milk, and sandalwood paste, as he is considered an embodiment of Lord Vishnu during the wedding. 3. Muhurtham (Sacred Moment) – Tying the Thaali (தாலி கட்டுதல்) At the exact auspicious time (muhurtham), the groom ties the Thaali (Mangalsutra) around the bride’s neck in three knots, symbolizing their union for life. This is the most emotional and celebrated moment, with the priest chanting Vedic mantras and the wedding hall filled with the sound of Nadaswaram and Melam (traditional instruments).