The “Pelli Koduku” ceremony is performed to purify the groom with holy ingredients and to prepare him for the wedding ceremony. This event is preceded by the Deparadhana ceremony. The groom dresses up in Lungi (white preferred), Kanduva, and banyan (white) for the ceremony. The location of the ceremony can be decorated with the bunch of flowers for better appearance. The first parental cousin of the groom (Thoti Pellikoduku) , who is brother-in-law in relation, will accompany him during the ceremony. Thoti Pellikoduku will be seated left to the groom.
At the Muhurtham time, the elderly female (“pedha muthaidu) or the groom’s mother marks the kumkuma on groom’s and his cousin’s forehead first, the she applies little sandal paste (Gandham) on his neck and back of his palms, smears turmeric paste on his face and arms ( and legs if possible), applies little coconut oil on his head, sprays little perfume on him, and shower her blessings to the groom. The guests will come forward and follow the same process to bless the groom. The groom will offer the “thambulam” to the each guest in return.
During the ceremony, the couple (except groom’s parents) who would like to begin this ritual to the groom will usually offer him new clothes. While the groom’s parents will offer new clothes to the “Thoti Pellikoduku”. “Harathi” is offered to the groom by his sister(s) at the end of the ceremony amidst elderly female (s) singing classical harathisongs.
After Harathi, the groom (and “thodi pelli koduku”) can go and take “mangala snanam” (holy shower). Thereafter, the groom and “thodi pelli koduku” will be dressed up in their first set of wedding dress offered during “pelli koduku” ceremony. Then an elderly female will apply “kalyana thilakam” and “Dishti Chukka” to the groom and Thoti Pellikoduku. Then “paarani” is applied to their feet.
The groom’s family will invite their relatives a day ahead to attend the ceremony. The groom’s dress is offered to his household butler after the ceremony.
Preparations & Shopping checklist:
- Find out the auspicious time from the priest
- Invite relatives a day ahead of ceremony
- Arrange breakfast for guests
- Arrange these items for event
- Harathi , Akshinthalu, Turmaric + sunni pindi paste, kumkum, Coconut oil, perfume, Sandal paste, Thambulam sets
- SL: Beetle leaves, bananas, somp packets
- Decorate the location with flowers
- SL: Flowers
- Make sure the groom is dressed up
- SL: white Lungi, towel, and banyan
- Let the bride’s parents know when the ceremony is started.
- Make sure new clothes to be offered to the groom and Thodi Pelli Koduku are ready
- SL: New clothes for the groom and Thodi Pelli Koduku
- Find an elder females to apply kalyanam sticker, paarani and dishti chukka to both groom and “thodi pelli koduku” after they take holy bath
- SL: Kalyanam sticker (6 no.), paarani bottle, black stickers
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