From the archive record
The nuptial ceremony is fulfilled with the exchange of garlands by the couple as they vow to spend entire life together. Flowers and garlands are a very important part of the Hindu wedding, they symbolize acceptance and welcome. Contrary to the perception of the 'big fat Indian wedding', which generally involve a series of customs and ceremonies, the marriage organized in a typical Malayalee style is very simple and brief. Although elaborate rituals are not followed at a typical Malayalee wedding, the ceremony is very impressive to look at. The simple Malayalee marriage is generally divided into three phases. During the pre-wedding days, the muhurtham and date for the engagement and wedding are figured out. On the engagement ceremony, the nishchaya thaamboolam are exchanged by the prospect