Telugu Wedding Rite and Ritual

A Telugu marriage has ceremonies, rites and rituals that are full of symbolism and rich significance. These are performed like most Hindu marriage rites with an emphasis on spirituality. The wife has a prestigious place in all ceremonies. She is the ardhangini, a part of her husband, literally meaning 'half of the body'. No religious ritual can be performed by her husband in her absence. The rites are conducted by a purohit or priest. The marriage usually takes place in any month with the exception of the months of Aashad, Bhadrapad and Shunya, which are considered inauspicious for weddings.