Wedding Process
The the nuptial ceremony is performed around the "agni" (fire). The bride and the groom circle the sacred fire thrice, after which the bride's father ties the "Taali", which is strung on a yellow thread around the neck of the bride. Thereafter the bride's father gives her hand to the groom in a ceremony called "Kanyadaanam". After the Kanyadaanam, the groom sits in front of the bride and tilts his head backwards, to touch her forehead. After this the girl offers puffed rice to the fire to the chant of various mantras. Her palms are placed in her husband's hands and she performs the "hom". After this, the groom lifts the bride's foot and places it on the grinding stone signifying breaking of her ties from her old family. The groom then moves the bride's foot forward seven times with his hand symbolizing her entry into his family.

Muslim Marriage - Nikkah
Indian Muslims follow the same pattern in Nikah as followed by the Middle-Eastern Muslims. Before the wedding there are some ceremonies in both the girl's and the groom's house, which is full of singing and dancing, strictly according to the rules laid down in Islam. A henna ceremony is held in the bride's house. There is no rule which says that the groom has to stay in the brides house after the Nikah. After the wedding there is a big reception, given by the bride's parents to guests from both sides, i.e.the groom's side as well as the bride's side. After the reception the groom's party returns with the bride to the groom's house, if the groom is from the same city.

But if the groom is from another city it depends on on the timing of the train or plane which the groom's party will use for the return journey. Or if they have come in their cars it will depend on the groom's family's convenience. The family of the groom also throws a reception to welcome and honour the new bride. This reception is known as dawat-e-walima. This walima occurs one or two days after the wedding. Indian Muslim brides receive gifts form the groom's family known as burri (gold jewels, expensive clothes, money etc.). Muslim weddings in India are celebrated in a grand way, a tradition which has come down from the Moghul rulers and Sultans of medieval India.

Christian Marriages
Except for some variation in basic customs, Christians of kerala has wholeheartedly assimilated themselves into the fabric of Kerala society. But, still, some differences persist in the wedding rituals and they are worth exploring. Like in other religions, here too the parents select prospective partners. After extensive background checks, including financial and social standing, and several meetings later, between the parents of bride and groom, the actual players get to encounter each other. Once things are endorsed, they have to notify their individual churches to procure sanction. Once the sanction is granted, they have to undergo a marriage preparation course conducted by the church. After that, at a day of their convenience (except on Fridays), they have to present themselves before the church officer for "manasammatham" (engagement), accompanied by friends and relatives.

A prayer will be held before engagement ceremony and afterwards the vicar gives the blessing. Rings can be swapped after this, but it is not there in the general itinerary. Two male persons from both the parties have to stand witness for this ceremony. This will be recorded in the church register. After this for the next 3 successive Sundays, while the church is in congregation, this engagement will be announced.

This is to inform others and to give them a chance to file objection, if they have any. Alternatively this information will be displayed at the church notice board. If some objections are noticed, church will conduct an inquiry regarding this and proper actions would be taken. There is no bar on breaking the engagement. The parents of the bride and groom, after mutual consultations, fix a date for the marriage. Normally the wedding is held at the diocese of the groom. On the appointed day, both the bride and groom, along with their relatives and friends, will reach the marriage place before the appointed time.

At the given time, both the groom and bride will enter the church, escorted by relatives and friends, and proceed towards the altar. Some of the customs of traditional kerala wedding, "thalikettu" - the process of tying the sacred thread around bride's neck, giving "mantrakodi"- the wedding sari, are incorporated into the Christian wedding. As soon as the vicar enters the altar, the process of marriage (divyabali) begins. Reciting of those portions of bible which are relevant to the marriage function will be done by the vicar as well as the congregation, accompanied by music. When this function reaches its midpoint the vicar asks the groom to tie the nuptial knot, followed by the presentation of dress.