Marriages are probably one of the most sacred and still widely preserved traditions of the multifarious cultures existing in our country and to an extent religiously maintained by Indians living abroad, to this day. The ritual’s central point of attraction is the ‘thirumangalyam’ knotted around the girl’s neck to signify supreme union of man and woman, forever rendering their relationship longevity and strength.
Gold Mangalsutras annexed to the chains also stand for the golden moments and milestones in the relationship of the couple that they are about to witness in the long run. The events include, but not limited to, marriage anniversaries, birth of little prince or princess, naming ceremonies of their kids etc. The moment thirumangalyam is tied the groom and the bride become husband and wife.
Some people may prefer to skip conducting Homa and the recitation of vedic hymns. Few may opt for conducting the event of tying of nuptial knot in a temple, taking the advice of astrologers. Even in those cases,they cannot do away with thirumangalyam.
The eyes of the elderly people witnessing the ceremony will be focused on the stage while the orchestra comprising flute, thavil, mridangam, nadaswaram is at its high pitch or note. That’s the time signaling the audience that all is set for the groom to tie the mangalyam around the neck of his bride.
In some communities the groom ties three knots in the mangalyam chain whereas in others the groom just places it around the neck. In few communities, the practice of adding a gold coin in the thali or thirumangalyam of the Indian bride on the auspicious day of Aadi Perukku prevails.
