Tamil Nadu is a state located in the southern part of India. The state stands at the crossroad of its socioeconomic growth due to burgeoning IT sector. In Tamil community, a majority of people follow the Hindu religion with minority following Islam and Christianity. Brahmin Iyer, Iyengar, Naidu, Nair, Nadar, Adi Dravida, Chettiar and Vanniyakullak Kshatriya are various castes that comprises of major Hindu Tamilians.
Tamilians lives very simple and disciplined life, which is reflected in the way they celebrate their wedding ceremonies. The marriage is an occasion to bring nearest and distant relatives together. Hindu Tamil marriage consists of a number of holy rituals each symbolize beautiful and noble sentiments.
The marriage in the state is beautifully intermingled with traditional rituals and customs all having unique religious significance. The Naathaswaram and the Melam are the two main musical instruments commonly found in marriages. The Hindu Tamil bride in red or maroon nine yard sari, hair styled with orange and white flowers, adorned with jewels gifted by her parents as well as by the groom’s parents signifies energy and fertility. Chutti, a belt called Oddiannam and hair accessory called Raakudi are special ornaments worn by a bride during her wedding. The groom is draped with Zari bordered silken stole and angavastram on his shoulders. The Brahmin wedding food followed vegetarian staple food pattern. While other caste may have non-vegetarian dishes with the option of curries and dished cooked with chicken, fish and mutton.
