Vibhu & Ramya's wedding

Day 1
Saturday, May 3, 2025
Mantralayam
Day 2
Sunday, May 4, 2025
Mantralayam
About the hosts
Vibhu & Ramya's story
Ours wasn’t love at first sight—it was love without sight! We were best friends at work, bonded through calls and texts, never having seen each other. I was in the office, he was working from home, and yet we clicked. The day we finally met was the day he came to resign... and propose! (Talk about surprise!) Like any dramatic heroine, I took forever to say yes. Even after that, we were in a long-distance relationship—proof that love survives on weak WiFi and strong feelings. Eventually, we decided to make it official and took it to our families. After the expected dose of drama and family debates(you know how that goes 😅), here we are—getting married! What’s more exciting? It’s a Shetty-Iyengar wedding with all its quirky, beautiful traditions coming together in the holy town of Mantralayam.
Day 1Saturday, May 3, 2025Mantralayam
Starting time (approximately): 7:30 AM
Venue and host contact details will be disclosed upon booking.
Haldi
The family gathers, applying turmeric to the bride and it’s more about fun and bonding than anything else! But wait—after all the turmeric is on, there’s more! Colorful water is then poured on the bride to “wash away” the turmeric, leaving you with a stunning splash of colors and memories. It’s a time full of laughter, teasing, and family drama, the perfect way to kick off a wedding—full of love, joy, and yes, a little yellow stain that will probably last forever!
Bale Shastra and Mangalya Making Ritual
After the “Haldi makeover,” the bride takes a bath—a “fresh start” before the wedding. The bride then gets ready and sits for the most beautiful and meaningful rituals Bale Shastra The ritual where the bride( and also the women of the family) wears the green bangles, which symbolises new beginnings and prosperity for the bride. Beesokallu, Oralkallu Pooja In this ritual, all the married women of the house perform pooja to grinding stone and mortar pestle. This ritual is a symbolic blessing for the couple’s married life to be steady, fruitful, nourishing, and built on shared effort. 3. Akshathe Shastra The women of the family then prepare Akshathe, a sacred mix of uncooked rice grains that are usually coated with turmeric and kumkum. Akshathe mixing is a symbolic, sacred, and joyful act of creating a blessing in physical form—to be shared with and showered upon the couple as they begin a new chapter in life.
Sangeet
The Sangeet is a celebration filled with rhythm, laughter, and love, where the groom’s family joins the bride’s family for an evening of dance, music, and unforgettable performances. With both sides bringing their best moves and energy, the evening turns into a joyful celebration of unity, excitement, and togetherness before the big day.
Vara Pooje with Reception
Vara Pooje is a heartwarming ceremony of respect and celebration. It’s where the bride’s family shows their love and reverence to the groom, blesses him, and officially welcomes him into their home and hearts—setting the tone for a joyful and sacred wedding ahead.
Day 2Sunday, May 4, 2025Mantralayam
Starting time (approximately): 8:00 AM
Venue and host contact details will be disclosed upon booking.
Gowri Pooja
Gowri Pooja is a sacred and emotional ritual performed by the bride on her wedding day. Gowri Pooja is a moment of devotion, reflection, and divine connection. It blesses the bride with the same strength and grace as Goddess Parvati, and ensures her journey into married life begins with purity, love, and positivity. It’s not just a ritual—it’s a heartfelt prayer from a bride stepping into a new world.
Dhare/ Muhurtha
Dhare/Muhurtha is the heart of a South Indian wedding—the moment when two people become one in the eyes of the divine, their families, and society. It’s a beautiful blend of tradition, devotion, symbolism, and emotion, sealing the sacred bond of marriage. Ritual Highlights During Dhare/Muhurtha: Mangalsutra tying (Mangalya Dharanam) Pouring of holy water by elders (Dhare) Exchanging garlands Applying sindoor (vermilion) and toe rings (metti) Joyful showers of Akshata (blessed rice) and many more