GANESH CHATURTHI

Ganesha Chathurthi.

 This festival for Ganesha/Vinayaka  comes in the month of Bhadrapadha Maasa, fourth day after, Amavasya. This  day is also referred as Sidhi Vinayaka  Puja.

  For  this one has to traditionally make a Ganesha with clay, can also be  bought , it will better is the idol is of clay, as this will dissolve in water , once it it is immersed.

  When the Ganesha is brought into the house,  the person bringing it  should stand at the front door and the Lady has to perform arathi and then the idol is brought into the house and kept in clean place.
 The  place  , where Ganesha is to place for worship should be well cleaned and decorated with Rangoli, a plank is kept or in a Mandhasana ,which has been decorated with Mango leaves and if desired with Banana plants. A handfull of rice is to be strewn , at the place where Ganesha is to be placed, and Ganesha is to be placed on it.
  For worship of Ganesha  Haldhi Kumkum, Gandha, Geja Vashtra, Flowers, ie Malli, Sevanhthi, Rose. for Ganesha Red flowers  (as he like red ) Pathri , Dhruva grass etc.Janivara/Jhanav three strands as he is supposed to be a bachelor, in south India. ( He was  said to have married very late.)
 For naividya  Modhaks ( at least 21) Banana, Jagery, Coconut sugar cane , if available and all kinds of fruits. In some houses Idli is also prepared for Ganesha.
    In the morning after bath etc wear clean clothes  Indian clothes Men dhothi/ pyjama and women and girls saree,  pavade/Langa or Churidhar pyjama.
 Prepare the Naividya and get ready all the materials, colour the geja vastra's etc. Keep Pyala, Pali and Panchtra. Keep  water in thambya,
    Perform sanklapa 
  Hari Aum 9dviraachai,Praananaayamya, Desha kaalau Sankirthya).
  Shubha Shobane .......Vathsare Dhakshinaayane Varshathau  Bhadrapada Maase Shuklapakshe Chathurthyam Shubha thithau .....Vaasare, .....Nakshtre,  .....Yoge , .....Karane yevan-gunashana-vishishtaayaam-shubha-thithau Sidhivinaayakanthargatha-sri bharathi ramana-mukyapranaanthargatha-madhwapathi (Vishwa murthy) .... Sri Vishwambara Preranaya  ....prithyartham,  (asmakam  Sakutumbaanaam  Sthri puthra dhana vidhyaa jaya kirtya arogadhya kilabhishta sidyartham sakala karyeshu nirvigna tvasidyartham) Sidhi vinayakasya, Dhyanaa-vaahanaadha-shoda shopa chara-pujam Karishye.

         Start Ganesha Puja-----  Shuklam beradharam Vishnum Shashivarnam Chathurbhjam, Prasana varadham Dhyayeth srava Vignopaashanthye.  Sprinkle few manthra akshitha.
  all the while doing puja keep repeating Ganesha songs or Stothras.
     With a flower sprinkle water, Unboiled Milk and water again
      Apply Haladhi, Geja vastra.  Again haldhi kumkum , Adorn  the idol with a gold Jewel,  Flower mala

  Prayer.
   Rakthambaro rakthanu rakthamala nupelanaha
  Lambodharo  Gajamukaha  Paashadhantham kushbaye,
 Bibradrai yo  Vigna haraha Kaamadasthvaraaya hriyam.
Aum khiprasadhaaya Namaha.
     sprinkle mantra akshitha.

  Dhyanam
 Yeka-dhantham Shurpa karnam gajavakthram Chathur bhujam,
Paashaamkushdharam Devam Dhyayeth Sidhivinayakam.
 Dhayedhevam Mahakayam Thapthakanchana sanibam
 Dhanthaksha maalaa-parashupurna- modhaka-hastham
  Modhakaa sakthashundaa gramekadhantham Vinaayakam.
  Sri Sidhivinayakaya Namaha, Dhyayami, dhyanam Samarpayami.

 AVAHANAM  (Inviting)---Avayami Vigneshsa  sura-raarjarjitheshewara , anatha-natha Sarvagnya pujartham Gananayaka  Srisidhivinayakaya Namaha  Avahayami Sprinkle M-Akshitha.

 ASANAM ( seat).  Aneka Rathna Samyuktham Muktha mani vibhushitham,swarna simha asanam charu prithyartham, Sri Sidhivinayakaya Namahaha.  Sprinkle M Akshitha.

ARGHYAM .Gaja vakthra Namasthesthu Gandhs-pushpa-akshathraiyutham, Argyam Grahanaa Dhevesha Sarvasidhipradhayaka. Sri Sidhivinayakaya Namaha. Argyam samarpayami.  From the water in the thambya, with the Udarni pour water three times into the Pyala

. PAADHYAM.   Vinayakaya Namastesthu  Shankara priya sidhidha.,Bakthya Paadhyam maya, Grahaana Pranathapriya. sri Sidhivinayakaya Namaha. Padhyam Samarpayami. Pour water three times into the pyala.

MADHUPARKAM:  With a flower srinkle a mixture of honey, curds and ghee this is called madhparkam.

  ACHAMANAM: Gananatha maya dhatham  jagaravana-kaarana, grahanaacha manam deva  pujatho yaha surirapi. Sri Sidhivinayakaya Namaha. Achamana samarpayami,  pour water three times into the pyala.

 PANCHA_AMRUTHA SNANAM.   With a flower srinkle the  items mention in the order or all the incredentds mixed and sprinkled
   Milk, Curds,  Ghee, Sugar /jagery Honey  , Banana  lastly a little water.
    sprinkle Sandal water.

VASTRA. -- put the Geja vastra,

Yagnaopitha put the Janivara, Now put the Abaharana  -- if already done , sprinkle M akshitha.

 Now  adorn the idol with haladhi, kumkum etc and  flowers garlands.

  Anga Puja   Sat AUM before all the names
 Ganeshaya Namaha -- Padhau pujayami,
 yekadhanthaya namaha-- Gulau Pujayami,
 shurpa-karnaya namaha-- Janumi pujayami,
Vigna rajaya namaha --Jange Pujayami ,
 akhuvahanaya namaha -- uru pujayami ,
 Herambaya namaha - katam pujayami,
Kamarisunave namaha - Nabim pujayami,
 lambodharaya Namaha - kantam pujayyami ,
 lambodharaya Namaha -Udharam pujayami ,
 Gowri suthaya namaha - Stanau pujayami
Gananayakaya namaha - Hridhayam pujayami,
 Stulakantaya Namaha - kantam pujayami,
Skandha grajaya namaha Skandau pujayami,
Pasha hasthaya namaha - Hastham pujayami,
Yeka dhanthaya Namaha Vakthram pujayami
Yekadhanthaya namaha - Dhanthau pujayami,
Vigna harthe namaha - Netrhram pujayami,
Shupakranaya namaha - Karna pujayami,
Sthula nasikaya namaha - Nasikam pujayami,
Palachandrya namaha - lalatam pujayami,
Sarveshvaraya namaha - shiram pujayami ,
 Aum sri sidhivinayakaya namaha - Sava angam pujayami.

 Light all the lamps.

ARCHANA After this perform archana reciting the 108 names of Ganesha with the flowers and Pathri.

 after all this   offer dhoop arathi ,
then Naividya  of modhaka, fruits  Coconut,  corn, sugarcane etc  and say Krishna arpanamasthu.
Then Managala arathi with 3 and 5  vathis , with ganta nadha etc.

  Do pradhikshna Namaskara .

 In the evening too Ganesha has to be worshiped with arathi and  some naividya.
 If he is kept for three days,  puja both in the morn and eve is a must with a naividya Ganesha can be kept for  one dat three  five or till Anantha cahathur dasi.

Do not see the Moon on this night!

On Ganesh Chaturthi, one is advised to not look at the Moon as if one does, he or she will be wrongly blamed or will face a false allegation.

So why is this? This is because once the handsome Moon made fun of Lord Ganesha and Ganesha cursed the Moon that whoever looks at the Moon on Ganesh Chaturthi will face false allegations.

However, if one does see the Moon, here is a remedy,

 

Simha prasenamavadith
simho jambhuvatha hathah |
sukumaraka marodhihi
thavahyesha syamanthakaha ||

 
Repeat the above Shloka if you do see the Moon on this day.!

Quick to make recipes.

In south indian cooking there are some recipes which can be prepared quickly.As most of us have a rice cooker. While the rice is being cooked, rasam/saar which we call GODUSAAR , a bhartha with brinjol or curry or corriander leaves and roasted pappad can be made.
There are also some ready, home made powders which can be made and stored. Like bhathach pood, meth koot, coriander pood and karepak powder.
these powders are really useful, when we run out of vegetables. As these powders contain dals its quite filling to have it with rice and ghee.
Recipe for godu saar.
Chana dal.... one table spoon,Pepper ... two tea spoons. Jeera ....two tea spoons, dry chilli ..3/4 [if using the hot variety]4/5 if using the kashmir or byadige chilly. tamarind ...a small lemon size, soak in a cup of water, hing a pinch, salt to taste, curry leaves. Jaggery .... a little,Fry the all the incredents except tamarind in a little oil and grind it into a powder. Extract that the pulp from the tamarind. and add more water to make 3 cups. Keep on fire, add a tea spoon of tur dal and bring to boil. Boil till the raw smell of tamarind is gone add the the ground powder, and the curry leaves and the jaggery, boil for a few more minutes. remove from fire and season with mustard and curry leaves.
    Brinjal Bhartha.
  Brinjol is roasted on the gas burner, peeled and mashed. a  table spoon of dilute tamarind extract  is added.  In a small kadai  make seasoning . Add a  table spoon of oil, when heated add udad dal 1 spoon, mustard seeds 1/2 spoon and one red chilli  when the mustard crackles add 1/2 cut green chillies and pour over the prepared Brinjol and tamarind add salt, curry leaves and hing  and if desired a   dash of jaggery.

 The roasted Brinjol can also be mixed with dahi and seasoned with Udad dal, nustard, red chilli, green chilli and curry leaves. Makes a good side dish.
                ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Methacha Sambar.
  Incredents ----- Tamarind --size of a small lime  to be soaked in water for a while and the pulp extracted. Oil -- one table spoon, Chana Dal and Udad Dal  -- one spoon, Mustard -- 1/2 tea spoon. Methi seeds or powder -- 1/2 or 3/4 tea spoon, Dry Red chilli -- two , break into oeices, Hing -- 1/4 tea spoon Curry leave a few and green chilli one or two as per taste, Jaggery  also as per taste, Rice flour to thicken the gravy -- one tea spoon.
  Heat oil and add the two dals and when  it turns golden add the mustard and the dry chilli, then the hing and methi, Now add the tamarind pulp and dilute it to the required amount add salt and curry leaves , let it boil till the raw smell of tamarind disappears, add the jaggery and the Rice flour diluted in water  , let the grave bol ti you get the required consistency.

TMG WEDDING CUSTOMS

                                      WEDDING DAY MORNING

                               Kashi Yathra and Gowri Hara.

  For Kashi Yathra :
  The things to be bought by the bride's side ---- One pair dhothie which is to be given to the Priest to be  dyed Yellow with Haldi. 
One Umbrella, Walking Stick, Pair of Chappals  and Vijna(hand Fan) .

The groom is given the yellow robes to wear and is dressed traditionally. He will carry the the walking stick, and hold the vijna( hand fan). The groom has to  wear ear-rings made of flour. The bride's brother or cousin hold the umbrella over his head.
The groom goes out where he is met by the bride's father. Symbolically, the priest in sanskrit makes the groom declare that he is going away to Kashi.
The bride's father then asks him not to go to Kashi, but will give his daughter in marriage to him  as a companion to face the challenges of life ( This is all said by way of Mantras by the Purohith).
The boy then comes back and is made to sit on a chair and his feet placed in Thambal , (Plate). The mother  of the bride pours the water and the father washes his feet and he is brought in.
Then a  Homa is performed to  change the Sacred Thread which till now will be that of a Bramachari which is three threads and in future he will be  a Samsari (Family man) and so will have to wear six threads.

                                                Gowri  Puja and Mangalya Dharana.

PREPARATION FOR GOWRI PUJA:
   Near the Gowri is kept 10 Soop Vaans(maradha bagina), 5  from each side ( bride's and groom's). There is a custom that one soop vaan is given to the Grooms mother in Karnataka side. This custom is not there in Tanjore side. After the wedding , the bride is made to give this to her mother and elderly Savashnis. In the soop vaan given to the mother, a pair of silver toe-rings and  bottu has to be added along with the rest of the soop vaan samaan.If possible these can be put in all the soop vaans.

For Gowri puja, a place , where the bride can sit comfortably to pray is selected. A picture of  Shiva  with Parvathi sitting on his lap under a huge tree is kept . In the four corners decorative pots are kept one on top of other. These can be clay or Bell metal or wood as this is for Alankar. The Priest then will tie  thread around these pots. A  Sami ( kutthuvilakku) and Lamps are also kept with Haldhi Kunku, Gandha, Mantrakshitha,  Pyalas, Geja Vastra and flowers. Please do use only  Malli (jasmine), Rose , Sevanthi(marigold)and such sweet smelling Flowers.
In the front is kept a GOWRI, made with Haldhi powder ie like  a  cone. Make this quite big as the girl has to keep putting flowers and haldhi kunku on thei Gowri. This Haldhi Gowri is kept on  Choli piece folded in a special way.
To fold the choli: Fold into four and on the two sides, fold down into a triangle.

Two lamps and a big Akhand is made of  maidha flour and Haldhi and are kept on the either side. Mix all purpose flour ( maida) with some haldi and make into a dough. Shape this dough into two diva  and a Akhand . This Akhand should be made quite big and the Vathi  should also be fairly big .
 It is said, the Wick for this Peetach Diva must be as  long as the Brides height. Of-course this is not possible, as today's girls, are not 4/5 years as it was, when the  rules were written.
 This akhand is placed on the right side of the Gowri. These Peetach Divas are in addition to the usual silver Akhand and Divas which are also kept. An arathi  plate divas are also placed for the  Bride to do Arathi. The Gowri etc should be placed on a plank and rangoli in the front of the plank. A plank for the Bride to sit on.

  The Bride s hair is  made into a plait and flowers put. In some places they tie what is called a LIMBUCH DHANDA on   both sides of the forehead. The  small lemons are  woven on to the ends of a string of Mogra flowers. This,some say is to ward off evil eyes and some say this will enable the girl to see the Groom, without anyone noticing it!!

PROCEDURE FOR GOWRI PUJA:
  The Bride's mother should apply Haldhi Kunku, and flowers to the Bride .and brings her to the  place where the Gowri has been arranged . She will then instruct her on  how to to perform the puja.
First Ganesha is worshiped. From the time the Bride sits for puja she should not TALK, she should be  performing puja and silently praying to Gowri. It is very important that the puja is performed in silence ( mouna) by the bride.
 Just before the  time of Muhurtha, the Groom's mother will bring the Wedding sari, the Mangalya Haldhi Kunku and  a Garland. The Groom's mother will perform puja to the Gowri and Apply Haldhi Kunku to the Bride and present the sari and leave. Then the Maternal Uncle of the Bride will have to take her to the wedding Pandal (The Uncle should lead the Bride).
 At the Pandal  the purohiths will , already be holding the ANTHRPAT ,(this is curtain between the boy and  girl).The girls is thus led by her uncle ( mama) to one side of the pandal where the groom cannot see her. Both the Bride  and Groom stand on either side of the Antharpat with their respective parents  on either side of them. Both will be given a little Jaggery and jeera in their hands. The Purohiths and the ladies will recite the MANGALA ASHTAKA. This is to invite the  Gods and Devathas and the river godesses and  Saptharishis to come and bless the couple.
This is another beautiful function where the ladies will sing the songs inviting the gods and goddesses to come and bless the couple along with the priests singing " saava dhaan".
After this the Anthara pata is removed and the couple will  sprinkle the jaggery/jeera mix on each other.  (The proper way is -- the Groom will have to put the mix on the brides head and the girl on grooms feet or  stomach ).After this  is the Kankana.

KANKANA

,is Five couple from each side  the bride and grooms party are made to  sit or stand and given  a two balls of thread soaked is milk to go around  the all the couple with the bride and groom sitting in middle, after some specified rounds , the purohiths will  take it and make two separate  string to which a haldhi stick is tied. This the Groom will tie around the Brides right hand wrist and the bride will tie it around  the Grooms right hand wrist, This is called the KANKAN . While this is going on one person  will takethe both the Mangalays placed on a coconut in a plate for every one to bless the Mangalyas.  After this is Kanaya Dhana The Brides two  palms are placed in the Grooms palms with a coconut a Sampushta with a Saligrama , Krishna idol and a coin and Tulasi  leaf and the parents pour GANGA water to give  away their daughter to the Groom.
 After  this the  Groom ties ,   BOTH MANGALYAS  he has to tie THREE knots,After  this  the elderly Savashnis and Both the Brides and
Grooms mother will tie one knot each.
 next the Bride and Groom exchange garlands etc as instructed by the Purohith.
 From the time of tying the KANKAN  , the Bride or the Groom should not Do Namaskar to anyone  nor even shake hands , as till this is removed they are considered Laksmi Narayan.
     for the Newly Weds and their parents, instead of lunch they have , only PALAHAR . Any item given to them  will be without  KARKAT (MUSARE).
      They will given Pohe,  kheer Sweets etc. five big banana leaves are spread and over that the two plates for the Bride and Groom are placed.

   





  After this the exchange of garlands and Laja Homa.In this a brother invokes Agni
 to be witness to his sisters marriage and this Homa for which  Agni is given Laahe  with cows ghee.
 The Lahe is given to the by the brother, as women have cant do the homa , the husband holds her hands and offers the Lahe to  Agni. The Brides prayer to Agni is, let the husband have long life, give success , well being of relatives and above let there be understanding between us.This is called AGNI -AUPASANA.  After this the groom puts the toe rings on the brides second toe. Then  a VATACH DHONDA (ARAYOKALLU) is kept  and the Brides right  foot, big toe is placed and the  husband holds the big toe and moves it seven times  as the purohiths  chant  Mantras, whicch means that  the couple
 should have  a Stanch mind ,make adjustments  and give  and take in all the  good and bad times.
 Next is  SAPTHA PADHI The Seven steps around the  AGNI. for each the  Grooms Prayer ,
  1) Bear with me  and walk with SAMARTHYA
  2)Let there food in plenty.
  3) Let there be prosperity
  4) Let  us achieve  all that we want and be happy..
  5) Let there be children.
  6)  In all seasons let there be BHOGA and BHAGYA.
  7) Let there be love and trust and affection  between us.
    The translation is made the best of my ability. Translating Kanada into English is tough.
     SINDUPU.
In this function, the parents of the Bride, the Brides Maternal unckle , Kalas githi and the  Bride and groom  take part.Two plates are are kept like one plate covers the other and is tied together tightly and over this a Diva made with wheat flour, haldhi which is mixed into a stiff dough and shaped into a bowl in which a  wick soaked in ghee is placed , and the Brides mother wearing the Sari presented to her for this ac- cation will have to make Ring with choli, to be put on head , then five savashni will put the lighted Dough diva on the plate on her head.with this on her head, the Brides  Father and Mother , with her brother holding a knife on which a lime has been  placed, holds this knife over the lighted lamp so a soot will gather on it, followed by the newly wed , and the Kalasgithi will sprinkle water ahead of them. Like this  they have to go arround the Homa kund, where the Laja Homa was performed three times. Then after the the Plate with the diva is put down and RAKSHA is applied  on the newly wed couples forehead. After this the couple are  taken out and shown the  the star Arundhathi, wife of Sage Vashista, who was a Pathivratha. Giving the couple to be stead fast in their devotion to each other like Sage Vashishta and Arundhathi.
     Nagavalli.
   The mother in law presents the bride with a 9 yards sari and helps her wear it too. and brings her  to wear the sari  and brings her the wedding platform where decorated   mud pots are arranged on the four sides.Two pots one over the other with a lid on all the  four sides with a tread around them.
In this a small ritual is conducted to  make the couple aware of the responsibilities they will have to face , in their married life
  After this ritual the girl is officially handed over to, first the grooms parents , then to any elderly  relative or relatives like the grooms paternal uncle or elder brother . Lastly to the Groom.
   Then the Newly weds are taken to  the place the grooms party has been staying for Grahapravesh of the  Bride.She will be accompanied by her parents siblings and relatives. The bride will be helped by her new mother in law to perform Lakshmi Puja in her new home.
 At this time all the  guests are given some refreshments and coffee and  gifts to the the brides parents etc. The Bride is left at the grooms place.
  This officially  is the end of the wedding ceremony. Reception   has been come into practice in the last few years and needs no mention here..
                       ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Lately the marriage rituals are taken lightly and receptions are held before the wedding on the previous day itself , though we all know  that receptions are held, in western country's is only after the wedding.
    Our family Purohith , the Late Sri Krishna Murthy Sharma  of Chennai, once told  me that , this should not be done  as the   Bride and Groom  invariably exchange  Garland and Rings to be photographed , which  should be  done ONLY at the prescribed GOOD TIME  on the day of the wedding. I have written the  Tanjore Marathi and Madhwa wedding ritual  procedure to the best of my ability so that the Bide and groom who do read this will be aware of the meanings of  some of the promises that are made  at the time of the wedding
    Lastly  My request to all who read this is try to make your marriages a success by being understanding , adjusting , and seeing the others point of view. In a marriage there is NO winning or losing,  Its just plain give and take.
   The house the newly weds make should become a home which is welcoming and comfortable and  there should be no place for bickering.
    In a marriage TRUST is very  essential.Whatever the problem it can be solved by being open and frank talk by the couple  be it a personal problem or the the problems that come while the children are growing up or In Law  problems. A home is like a cart where both the  wheels will make the journey smooth .
   Both Partners have a role in making the journey together smooth and happy, the Women plays a large role to make the journey happy  and comfortable .
  The  new trend  with some  youngsters is, they dont want the parents to stay with them. Parents have years of experience which is and will be valuable to the newly married. If both the  Newly weds think of their in laws as PARENTS , thinks will work out well.
  Brides, educated are as you are all , do give a margin for a little Maternal Jealousy which will, with time
 go away, the more the new wife shows she OWNS the  son, more the resistance. Be understanding, and open in your relationship and treat both  set of Parents alike.
  Parents in law, the daughter in law is also  to be treated as a daughter, the mother in law should understand that the  new bride has left all her kith and kin and come to new house  where, every thing will be new. so try to be kind.  Nothing  should be said against her parents, after all its her parents  with whom she has lived for so many years, Be  kind to her and it will pay off.
 If at all , problems do crop up, serious one's, Do  take the advice of a elderly person and guidance. Please dont jump to DIVORCE, this not our culture at all.Love , understanding, patience can  win many a battle.



 

   

TMG Wedding Customs and Rituals.

                                                         Sri Lakshmi Venkatesha Prasanna.

          Tanjore Marathi Desastha weddings are ritualistic. The rituals are common to both to Madhwas and Smarthas. ( According to Late Shri Krishna Murthy Sharma  of Chennai.)
         Once the  Marriage has been fixed and all the matters have been discussed and settled, both the boy and girls party have to find a  good day ,and have a  ceremony in their own houses, called Halkund Tenchna. ( In Kannada it Arshana Kuttodhu.)
(Savashni means suhaagan, muthaiyade)

 HALKUND THENCHNA ( ARSHINA KUTTODHU)

The things needed for this function are as follows....
For this  function, the things that have to  be ready are ----Haldhi Kum Kum,  Flowers, Haldhi sticks  about 1/4 kg, Vedach Pan Supari , (Betel leaves and Supari), Geja Vastra for the Ganesh,Arathi plate with lamps with wicks soaked in ghee or oil,  and Kelas(bananas)  and Jaggery.
You will also need a  Vatach Dhonda and Varavanta , that is  is a Rolling stone and pounding stone to  smash the halkund  by the  Savshnis. And two lamps with wick and ghee.

What to do on this day?
On a specified good day, the  girl/boy are made to take oil bath. At least five Savashnis(Muthaiyade)  are invited.

 In Haldhi powder make a Ganesha , ie  mix  Haldhi Powder in water and make a cone, apply kunku and put this cone on Vedach pan( betel leaf)  with stem removed.  Select a place  where there will be no breeze,  as the lamps have to be lighted and also arathi.  On a plank keep the  Haldhi Ganesh.  Spread a  Jamkhana/Champa( Mat)  for the ladies to sit.

     If the Halkund tenchna is in the Grooms house, the boy should wear a dhothi and angavastra, do Sandhya, before the start of Ganesh puja.
   If it is in the bride's house, the Bride should be dressed in a Saree,  wear flowers in her hair and should have applied Kunku on her forehead  and wear bangles. She should perform puja to Tulasi Brindhavan, a must.

 Now make the, to-be  Bride/Groom  sit in front of the Ganesh and perform Puja to the Ganesh  with Haldhi Kunku, Geja Vastra and Flowers. Offer naividya Kela( Banana)  or Jaggery. Then do Namaskar to Ganesha. Next, the mother and the Savashnis also perform puja to the Ganesh.
Then, one by one, the Five sticks of Haldhi ( Halkund) each has to be  made  into pieces, by pounding it with the Varavanta on the Vatach dhonda. This has to be done by all the five ladies and the mother of the girl too.

 After this all the Savashni are given Haldhi kunku, flowers, Vidach Pan supari , wit a banana or any fruit and coconut and a choli  . If possible, it is also good to offer them a lunch or food with Kheer.

What to do with the powdered haldhi and the haldhi Ganesh?
The pieces of haldhi should be powdered with rice and kept for later use . The Haldhi Ganesha is Kept in gods room and worshiped everyday till the wedding is over.
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 THIS IS THE FIRST STEP TO A WEDDING.

 Prior to this function, none of the bridal or groom purchases are made.
  After this Halkund Thenchna,   the Purchase of the Mangalya Bottu, Sarees   and  Clothes  for the  wedding can commence.

After this above small ceremony,  the Girl/bride should wear at least a single gold bangle and a small bindi on the forehead.
The new trend is to say this is all superstition.This is not so, all our customs are to usher in positive energy in  today’s language.

Purchase of Mangalaya Bottu or Mangal Sutra:
 The Manglya /Bottu should  be purchased on a  good day and time. NEVER ON SATURDAY and TUESDAY.
  
 Wedding Invitations:
  Wedding Invitations are also to be given for printing after the Halkund Tenchna.
 The Invitation  should, at the  top most have, gods name ie Lakshmi Venkatesha Prasanna or Lakshmi Narasimha Prasanna  or the particular family deity . As far as possible, the  invitations should have at the beginning or end  with the blessing of  parents or any one older or elder brother as the case may be . This is the tradition.
                  ______________________________________________________________
       

THE WEDDING PLANNING

     In preparation to a Wedding , a lot of planning has to go into it.  First, of course is fixing the Choultry/marriage hall.

 Make a list of off all the things to be purchased and another list for all the works to  be done , like fixing the  cooks/catering,  Vajanthri (Nadhaswaram), Flowers, Photographer and the like.

 Make a list  of the gifts that have to be given to the Bride or groom , Sarees  and Jewels to be bought etc.

Then make a budget. Make a note of each and every thing,and after getting the final  figure, add 10% extra for any expense which would have been overlooked and increase in costs.

 Have a meeting with your Purohith/pundit performing the wedding and chart out all  functions, and the materials and things needed.
After getting ready the things and all the purchases are done, pack the things separately for each occasion in a cardboard  box . This way your work load at the wedding hall will be reduced as you will exactly know  what is where.
                             ------------------------------------------------------------

     MANDAV----HANDARA and MANGO LEAVES THORAN

    No matter where one lives, before  the  Devach Samardhana,  the MANDAV is to erected in front of the house and also at the venue of the wedding.

How should this be done?
Put a plantain tree on each side of the frontage of the house. Tie mango leaves Thoran across  the threshhold on top.
Now the Mandav is erected with four pillars of Bamboo. and decorated festively. This is also called Pandal.

Meaning behind erecting the Mandav:
 Apart from giving the venue a festive look, it is said that there are a devatha for each pillar and above. Therefore,  there is meaning in erecting the MANDAV.
In the East pillar resides Lord Indra ;In the South pillar  resides  Lord Yama ;In the West pillar resides Lord Varuna ;In the North  pillar lives Lord Kubera , and above  reside Dwija and Adhithi.

 Before the start of the festivities Puja has to be performed to all the pillars inviting the   Devathas . By doing this ,we seek the protection and the blessing of these devathas  for the wedding to go off well. The officiating priest will  instruct the correct procedure for this puja.

Mango leaves thoran is tied   on the threshold and also around the Wedding Mantap. Both Mango leaves and Plantain trees is said to purify the air where  so many people gather and breathe the air.
 I dont know if this is scientifically correct.
Mango leaves are also known to absorb negative energy and are therefore used.
Banana trees, besides being a symbol of prosperity are evergreen.


            __________________________________________________________________
   

The Wedding Ceremony -- the first Day.

DEVACH SAMARDHANA  CAN BE HELD AT HOME A FEW DAYS BEFORE  THE WEDDING DAY.
These days it is being held at the marriage venue because of constraint in space and other facility. It is more practical to do so. Devach Samardhana, Nandhi and the Navri Karna are  all on the morning of the first day of the two days of wedding celebrations.

                                     FIRST  DAY. MORNING SESSION.

YENNE SHASTRA

On the morning of Devach Samardhana, the Navra or Navri and the parents should be made to sit on a champa/MAT with another child, so as to make four for the  Arathi.
Kunku should be applied by the eldest Savashni or who ever is available, The Navri and mother should be given haldhi kunku. Then with a flower TIL oil is applied to all the four. Then Arathi is done by two ladies. After  this they can have their bath.  
THIS SAME PROCEDURE IS DONE ON THE DAY OF MARRIAGE ALSO.


  DEVACH SMARDHANA /DEV DHEK
This heralds the commencement of the wedding ceremony by first propitiating the gods.
DURING ALL THE FUNCTIONS ONLY SWEET SMELLING FLOWERS ARE TO USED.
ONLY MALLI , ROSE,SEVANTHI AND SUCH HAVE TO USED.

  Devach Samardhana is Puja with abisheka, Panch amrutha abhisheka to the family deity and any specified puja/arathi etc as per every individual family customs are performed. All the relations and friends are invited for this function.

 Rangoli  and Mango leaves for 40 days:
 From the day of Devach Samardhana,   Rangoli with the  powdered Haldhi/Rice flour (this is also referred to as SIGSA powder) is used for all functions and doorstep of the house and the Kalyana mantapa.
In the house, Rangoli with this haldhi and rice flour should be drawn for 40 days starting from Devach Samardhana.
The mango leaves tied to the thresh hold should also remain for 40 days.

 For the Devach Samardhana  things needed will be   Haldhi Kunku, Wheat, Rice, Flowers, Coconuts, Bananas,Haldhi Sticks Choli Peices, dhakshina
  If available  Zantha in Marathi or Biso kallu in Kananada has to be got. If this is not available, a small Pestle and mortar in  stone or Brass can be used.

How to perform Devera Samrdhana or Dev Dhek?

 To the Zantha or pestle apply Chuna ( limestone) and geru( red stone clay) , Haldhi and Kunku and a flower.
 At a good time, keep the Zantha in the proper place and have the Bride/groom  and the  mother and the Savshnis  all sit on a mat .
The mother  and the to-be married girl/boy  do puja to the Zantha,.
Wheat is put in the Mothers Vonti ( front padhar of the saree) and a ring or any gold  item is  put in the wheat.

The boy or Girl  have to search for the jewel while the ladies around will ask, " What did you find ( Thula Kai Milla)".
This is repeated three times.

The first  time the boy/girl have to reply, "Mala Sona Sarka Navra/navri Milli" ( I found a groom/bride who is like Gold)

The second time  the bride or groom will say, "Mala Vajra Sarka Navra/navri Milli" ( I found a bride/groom  who is like Diamond)

The third time they would say, "Mala  Vaiduria Sarka navri  or navara milla" (I found a bride/groom like the Lapizlazuli)

 After this the wheat is to be put in the Zantha and ground  by the Navra/Navri and the mother and the Savashnis available. It is ground and made into Rava which is used for the Kheer on that day ie Devach Samardhana.
 In case Zantha is not available, symbolically, put the wheat in a mortar and pestle and  pound it a few times and then use the Mixi to make Rava. This is to be given to the cook to make the Kheer.

NAVRI KARNA.

 The next function is Navri Karna... or Making of the Bride.

 

How is this function performed?

  For this,  the girl  is presented with a new Saree  and  green glass bangles are put on her hands.
Five Bangles are put in her left hand and  Seven bangles on the right hand . These are put on the by the girls Mother. THESE BANGLES SHOULD BE WORN FOR A MONTH. These days it is removed in the evening in the name of fashion and the  BEAUTY PARLOR Lady tells the girl that this not matching her RECEPTION DRESS. PLEASE do not do this and keep it on the hands for at least eight day.

We Indians should no doubt go with the times,  at the same time we should also NOT  forget our  traditions and customs.
 At this time all the Savashnis are  given bangles.

    After this all the Savashinis present have to be  given Haldhi Kunku flower Vidach pan supari and Vonti Barana or udi thumbodhu.
  Deverasamardhana menu should include Kadi Pitla, Ambode Poli  etc and everybody has to be given Jevalthe Dhakshina.

  NANDHI.   

Nandhi is  the function when the ancestors are invited to witness and bless  the marriage couple. They are invited  by the Mantra,  recited by the Purohiths.
 Till some years ago,  Nandhi and Devach Samardhana were on separate days  as God and Ancestors cannot be  combined . Secondly , some very orthodox people  would not eat  the Nandhi meal as they were not their Ancestors. Things have changed now with  both functions being done together and  the ancestors  being offered  coconut and fruits instead of   food.

The Nandhi Function is  conducted by the Priests and Purohiths and so i will only give the list of material to be got ready.
    Haldhi Kunku 2 Nos-- Soop/ Mora, 5 nos Choli Peices,  2 Nos Panchatra, 2  Nos Coconuts, Kela fruit, Vidach Pan Supari,  One pair Dhothie and  One 9yds Saree and Choli.

  PAADHA PUJA  

Padha puja is performed to Parents, Grand Parents and elders in the family. In most families, the ahyaar, or gifts are also given to them at this time after the padha puja. the bride or groom and their respective parents do namaskar and seek the blessings of these elders after the padha puja.



                         Wedding First Day -- Evening Session

                             MOOL PHANA /  HUDUGI NODODHU.

  Mool phana means " Seeing the Girl/Bride" 
 

  For this function, a time is fixed and the boys/groom's party are invited to come see the girl.

This is a beautiful function with all the ladies and men decked up in colorful fine clothes and jewellery.

 The  Bride is to be dressed in finery with her hair plaited with flowers and with the  jewels for the head and Jewelry and  Bangles and a fine zari saree. The green glass bangles  should not be removed. Wear the matching bangles over the green bangles.
Select a proper place and put a plank MANE/PHAT which is covered with decorative cloth.
After all the ladies and guests have gathered , bring  the Bride and make her sit. With her must sit her sister or someone close just behind her, in case she needs something.
  At  this point the mother of the Bride groom will come and sit on the right side of the bride, facing her.
She will then instruct the bride to do Ganesh puja.
After the puja, she will  apply Haldhi kunku to the bride and give her two saris.   One saree to wear  and the other one to cover her shoulders.
At this point, the bride has to wear the sari and come back and sit on the mane.

The  mother of the groom will then symbolically apply Haldhi Kunku, put some flowers in her hair, and may give her a Jewel, as the case may be.
Some cosmetics which is called Alankarach Saaman is also given along with personal gifts like jewelry and perfumes.
 Usually trays with fruits, coconuts, decorated dolls, sugar moulds. dry coconut on which designs have been carved etc are also given.
In fact, all the ladies from the grooms party will each hold a tray of fruits, dry fruits, sakkare acchu, decorative dolls and artistic things and bring them ceremoniously to the bride.
Finally, the groom's mother will put milk and banana in the bride's palm three times and she will drink it.  After which the  ceremony is over the bride goes inside.


                                        VAK NISCHAYA  (ENGAGEMENT)


   For this both the parents of the groom and the bride are made to sit  beside, each othe.
The Purohith keeps two Kalashs in front of them and reciting Mantras, he will make both the parents perform puja to the kalash.
Then the priest will  read the already prepared agreement between the two parents, which will be signed by the fathers. (This   agreement will give details  of the the family like grand son/grand daughter of  so and so,  son/daughter of so and so   have agreed for this marriage  on this date etc)


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                                              JHANVASA


     Jhanvasa is another clorful grand function where all are decked up.
Here, the groom  is made to sit on a decorated Jamkhana or mat.

The bride's parents will also sit beside him and  Ganesh Puja is performed.

Then the bride's mother will apply Kunku on the groom and the bride's father will apply Gandh( Sandal paste) on him and present him with  Clothes , Wrist watch and  whatever gift the wish to give the groom.

 The Boy wears the new clothes and comes back to sit. He is then garlanded  and given some sugar moulds,  decorated dry coconut,fruits and coconut will be presented. The girls mother will  put milk and banana in the palm of the groom which he has to drink  three times. Some years ago the boy used to be taken in procession   to a nearby Temple, (this custom may be  in olden days, The places being small , and every one knew the other will enable the people to see the groom. (This is purely my guess!)

                                               
                                      Jhnavasach  Jhevna

 After all this is the Jhnavasach  Jhevna. A ceremonial dinner for the groom.
   In a specified place five Plantain leaves are spread and a silver plate is placed. Around the front portion of the leaves, an elaborate rangoli is drawn with colours. Candles or lights decorate the surroundings of the 5 plantain leaves. A Sami ( Tall silver lamps) are placed on either side of the leaf.
Silver cups and Silver plate is kept on the leaves. And festive food is served in these.
 In addition to the Festival food , five kinds of sweets like Chiroti, Semia Pheni, Sweet Somasa, Poli, and Laddu will be served and Semia Kheer. Before the boy starts to eat the Mother of the bride will serve the ghee. and at the end instead of curds, milk and sugar will be served. Before the boy gets up after eating,  Arathi will be taken.

 With this function the first day  celebrations are over.

  After all the evening functions and dinner is over  the GARSOLI ----MANGALASUTRA has  to be got ready. Use TWINE ONLY . Take about 18 inches twine and dye it  yellow with Haldhi and water.
 Sread the Black beeads on a plate and arrange the  Bottu and the gold beeads as it is wanted to be woven on the twine, select the black beads which have holes in which the twine can be woven. (this has to be kept in mind while buying the Beads.)
  Five elderly SAvashnis --Sumangalis are called   the Bottu and the gold beads are woven then the mother of the girl and the boy  string five beads each then the other  ladies five each this is done for both the   MANGALYAS and kept for the next days function. All the ladies should be given Kunku after the they have  finshed.