Appaginthalu : An Important Ritual In Hindu Wedding

Appaginthalu : A Ceremony, accompanied by the singing of the Appagintala song by the Bhajantris, is an important ritual in Hindu weddings. During this ceremony, the bride is seated in the center of the wedding peeta (platform) and her hand is dipped in milk.

Appaginthalu & Entrusted Adults

The entrusted adults, who are typically family members or elders, give and take a salutation, symbolizing their support and guidance. The bride then dips both her hands in milk and hands them over to the groom. The Kanyadata (father of the bride) recites a mantra that signifies giving away his daughter, who has been raised like a son, to the groom for protection and care.

The same ritual is performed with the in-laws, where the bride dips her hands in milk and smears it on their hands, signifying their responsibility to protect her as their own daughter. Turmeric and saffron are placed at the bottom of the girl’s saree, and her hand is given to the groom, who sits opposite her.

These handovers can be emotionally overwhelming for those witnessing the ceremony, as it represents the bittersweet moment of letting go of a daughter who has been nurtured and loved for many years. After the handover, the bride is taken inside and offered curd rice as an offering to the gods. Outside the main gate of the house, the mother’s stomach is smeared with buttermilk using a stick, and she hits the door with her hands symbolically.

Following these rituals, the bride is sent to her new home, where the ceremony continues. Hindu marriage is not only a social union but also a sacred religious bond. It involves the recognition of conjugal dharma, the duty, and responsibility between husband and wife. This dharma serves as an invisible link that keeps the couple together and helps overcome any challenges or mistakes they may face, fostering unity and strength in their relationship.

Also Read : https://telugutraditions.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=822&action=edit