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The Telugu wedding ceremony ()〔http://www.telugubhakti.com/telugupages/Misc/Marriage/hms2.htm〕 is the traditional wedding ceremony of the Telugu people in India. In the 19th century, the ceremony could last up to 16 days (Padahaaru Rojula Panduga). In modern times, it can last 5 or more days, depending on the family's financial and social status. Vivaham or Wedding considered the strongest of social bonds, is said to spiritually merge two souls opening the doors to "Gruhastaashramam" (household life).〔http://www.telugubhakti.com/telugupages/Misc/Marriage/hms2.htm〕 As per a Telugu saying, "''marriage is supposed to be a family union and not an individual formality''". Telugu marriage is sanctified by seven pledges made by the bride and groom and commences when the bride and groom have completed seven revolutions around a sacred fire. Symbolic gestures and rituals encompass the ceremony and ensure that the bride and groom are united in the presence of Panchabhutaalu (Five essential elements for life) namely Bhumi (Earth), Akaasham (Sky), Agni (Fire), Neeru (Water) and Vaayuvu (air). The ceremony is held under the Kaḷyāṇa Maṇḍapaṃ or wedding pavilion decorated with fresh flowers. "Nādasvaram" (also called Shehnai in North India) an Indian musical instrument traditionally accompanies most Telugu weddings. Earlier Groom rides an elephant to Bride's place where wedding is supposed to take place. This process is called "Gajaarohana". Nowadays this tradition is fading out.〔http://books.google.com/books?id=HYdAAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA219&lpg=PA219&dq=snataka&source=bl&ots=trMpSdK0HW&sig=grIWRIClp0ErGx4aNwTGZvePUv8&hl=en&sa=X&ei=v9mdUbG4FsjmiwLQl4DACA&sqi=2&ved=0CEIQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=snataka&f=false〕 Some marriages are done in the temple in presence of god but most of them are conducted outside because of the number of people in attendance. After every ceremony they serve food to all the guests which is also the main part of the culture of offering food to anyone who comes on an auspicious day . All the rituals conducted throughout the Telugu wedding ceremony hold religious significance. Each element in the ceremonies is connected with the other and is given special importance. The decorations mostly consist of flowers and mango leaves in rich colors. The families renovate their houses and invite all the guests going to each of their houses with the kumkuma. It is also a tradition to eat ice cream or sweets before dinner because it is considered auspicious. == Pre-wedding customs == The rich and varied cultural heritage of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh of India, is reflected in the ceremonies conducted there. Almost all festivals are celebrated with religious observances, holding supreme importance in the lives of the residents of the state. ; Niśchitārtham (నిశ్చితార్థం) : Niśchitārtham means engagement. The two families meet to perform rituals to make the engagement official. A muhūrtaṃ (auspicious date & time) for the wedding is decided based on horoscopes. The Telugu people generally avoid the months or a time period where Aashaadham, Bhadrapadam and Shunya maasam occurs, because they are considered inauspicious for the ceremonies. The couple is then blessed by elders of both families, and is given gifts including jewelry and clothing by their new family. During this ceremony the future mother-in-law of the bride presents her with clothes, gold and also silverware, formally ending the engagement (Niśchitārtham).〔http://oiss.rice.edu/WorkArea/linkit.aspx?LinkIdentifier=id&ItemID=854〕 ; Snātakaṃ (స్నాతకం) :Snātakaṃ means Graduation or Bath Graduate or Post graduation. It is usually performed before house-holder responsibilities are handed over to the Groom.〔http://books.google.com/books?id=HYdAAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA219&lpg=PA219&dq=snataka&source=bl&ots=trMpSdK0HW&sig=grIWRIClp0ErGx4aNwTGZvePUv8&hl=en&sa=X&ei=v9mdUbG4FsjmiwLQl4DACA&sqi=2&ved=0CEIQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=snataka&f=false〕 Snaatakam ritual takes place at the bridegroom’s residence before the muhūrtaṃ. As a part of this custom, the groom is asked to wear a silver thread on his body. The ritual is conducted a few hours prior to the wedding. ; Kāśī Yātra (కాశీ యాత్ర) : Traditionally, after Snātakaṃ, groom will be eligible for higher studies and he will be eligible to go to Kashi and study further or become Sanyasi. However, as a pre-wedding ceremony, the groom just pretends to go to Kashi and says that he has discarded the worldly pleasures (such as marriage, relations and properties) and is no more interested in leading a family life. He will then be stopped by the brother(cousins) of the bride, who persuade him to assume the responsibility of a house hold as in they tease each other quite a lot and groom readily agrees for it in the end. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Telugu wedding ceremony」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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