Wedding Season: Differences Between North And South Indian Marriage Customs – News18

Last Updated:December 03, 2024, 06:00 IST

Among all the geographical differences, the ones from North and South wedding make for the most contrasting scene, marked by aspects like clothing, food, enjoyment and time.

Weddings in India are nothing short of a celebration extravaganza. The grand affairs are packed with traditional rituals, cultural activities and vibrant functions. However, the rituals and traditions differ based on the region, with the fundamental idea being the display of diversity and wealth of the nation.

Among all the geographical differences, the ones from North and South weddings make for the most contrasting scene, marked by aspects like clothing, food, enjoyment and time.

In this article, let us take a look at some notable differences between South Indian and North Indian weddings.

Wedding Rituals And Culture

South Indian marriages incorporate ceremonies rooted in religious and traditional rituals. Be it the auspicious Muhurtham or tying of the sacred thread (the Mangalsutra), every ceremony holds a spiritual value. On the other hand, North Indian weddings are distinguished by ceremonies like Haldi, Sangeet, Joota Chupai and sangeet.

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Wedding Muhurat And Time

One of the contrasting differences between the weddings of both regions is in wedding time and muhurat. The South Indian wedding begins in the early morning and concludes at around 10 am. On the contrary, a North Indian wedding starts in the evening and follows till the next day.

Wedding Outfit And Jewellery

Brides in South India typically dress up in a traditional silk saree whereas the groom’s attire features a dhoti or a mundu. As for the accessories, the bride elaborates the look with gold jewelry, all about religion and cultural values. On the other hand, North Indian brides choose to wear colourful sarees or lehengas and pair them with ornate gold jewellery pieces like the Polki and Kundan sets.

Wedding Food Menu

Both North and South weddings are all about the variety of food reflecting the diverse culinary traditions. The cuisine served at South Weddings includes dishes like dosas, idlis, vadas and several rice meals. For others, there are non-vegetarian options as well. On the other hand, North weddings include rich curries and flavorful kebabs. Rich desserts like jalebi, gulab jamun and delicious biryanis from the Tandoori kitchen are also a part of the menu.

Wedding Dance And Music

Indian marriages are incomplete without a jubilant spirit and joyous ambience. Traditional instruments like the nadaswaram and mridangam and music like Bharatanatyam and Carnatic play an important role in South marriages. Vibrant folk dances like the gidda and bhangra, the sounds of shehnai and dhol, and Bollywood music and dance performances take center stage at North Indian weddings.

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Length Of The Wedding Celebrations

South Indian marriages take place over longer periods spanning from three to five days. Families spend time maximum together, participating in religious ceremonies devoted to rituals. North weddings are comparatively shorter and take place within three days.

Vibe Of The Wedding Function

Generally, South Indian weddings primarily focus on traditional and cultural values. Conversely, North Indian weddings are more about formal and exquisite vibes.