Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda got married in traditional Telugu customs at ITC Momentos in Udaipur on Thursday. The couple, who have worked in films like Geetha Govindam and Dear Comrade, dated each other for seven years and are now married. According to reports, Vijay got married as per Telugu customs on the morning of February 26, and Rashmika, who is of Kodava heritage from Coorg, will get married this evening as per traditional customs. In other words, both will get married on the same day with two different customs. The specialty of this “Kodava Wedding” is that there is no priest or fire ceremony in it. So, let us know what is special in this marriage.
What is Kodava marriage?
There is a community in the Coorg (Kodagu) area of Karnataka whose marriages are conducted according to Kodava customs. All the people of this region marry according to their age-old traditions and customs, which are truly very special. Unlike Hindu weddings, Kodava weddings reflect lineage, respect for ancestors and warrior traditions. According to sources, Kodavas were actually a warrior community, hence the spirit of valor is visible in their wedding rituals also. The wedding begins with a “Muhurat” in which the ancestors are remembered.
What is the difference between Kodava marriage and Hindu marriage?
The biggest difference between a Kodava wedding and a Hindu wedding is that fire has less importance in this wedding, hence no rounds are taken around the fire in a Kodava wedding. Instead, processions are taken to remember the ancestors.
While in Hindu weddings the priest conducts the marriage with full rituals and chanting of mantras, Kodava weddings are the only Hindu weddings that do not require a priest. The elders of the family organize marriages and other rituals. Instead of singing, traditional songs are sung accompanied by drums, and wedding attendees perform warrior dances.
In a Kodava wedding, the groom wears a traditional black coat-like cloth called “Kupya”. He wears a short sword (Pichhe Katthi) at his waist. Breaking a coconut with a sword is considered a symbol of strength and protection. In a Kodava wedding, the bride brings the pallu of her saree from behind and places it on her shoulder. This is called “Kodagu Style”. After the wedding, the bride has to fetch water from a nearby well or river. On the way, the groom’s family interrupts him by dancing and singing.
bridal gowns
According to reports, in a Kodava wedding, the bride wears a red or white silk saree with a golden border. The saree is draped with pleats from the back rather than the front, which is typical of their community. Alcohol and non-veg food is a traditional part of this wedding, which makes it different from other Hindu weddings.