Nalungu

Nalungu

Nalungu is a pre-wedding ceremony which usually starts before 5th or 3rd day from the marriage. This is one unique custom which is done within the bride/bridegroom family by their own blood relations to eliminate the negativity (evil-eye) and to bring the positivity to the bride/ bridegroom.

Based on the number of immediate blood relations to the bride/ bride groom, the number and order of NALUNGU will vary. The most common NALUNGUs are

  • Thai nalungu
  • Thai maman nalungu
  • Athai nalungu
  • Sibilings nalungu

The following items are common to perform the nalungu

  • Gingelly oil
  • Old fashioned sikhakai powder
  • Manjal/ tumeric paste
  • Kunkumam
  • Sandhanam/ sandlewood paste
  • Muhurtha bangles/ glass bangles(for bride)
  • Beetal leaves, beetal nut, limestone paste
  • Sweet(1 tray)
  • Banana (1 dozen)
  • Apple (5/7/9)
  • Orange (5/7/9)
  • Pineapple (1/3/5)
  • Pomegranate (5/7/9)
  • Dry fruits (1/3/5) packs
  • Dry nuts (1/3/5) packs
  • Kalkandu (1 pack)
  • Regular granulated sugar (1 pack)
  • Flower bundle (1 minimum)
  • Garland (1)
  • Dress
    • Bride saree-blouse/ salwar set (complete set)
    • Bride groom- veshti/dhoti-shirt/shirt-pant (complete set)
  • Silver/ gold/ diamond/ platinum (if any)

PROCEDURE

Before proceeding the NALUNGU please do consult with your family elders for any additions

Nalugu tray,Blessing and aarti:

  • Nalungu tray 1:1 (for oil bath)
    • Gingelly oil
    • Old fashioned/ readymade shikhakai powder
    • Manjal/ tumeric paste
    • Kunkumam
  • Nalungu tray 1:2 (post oil bath(seer plate given to the bride/bridegroom))
    • manjal,kunkumam
    • garland ( to be honored by the Grandpa/uncle/ aunty)
    • new dress
    • sweets
    • flower
  • Nalungu tray 1:3( actually nalungu proceeding)
    • Sandhanam/ sandle wood paste in silver pezha
    • Kunkumam
    • Glass bangles
    • Sweet
    • Lit two KUTHUVILAKKU
    • Place all the SEER items before the bride/bridegroom (facing north)
  • Blessing
    • Uthiri poo/ flower pieces
    • Akshathai (tumeric coated yellow rice)
    • Paneer/ rose water

 

  • SORU KUDUTHAL (Food Feeding)

Without this part the NALUNGU is not complete. The relation(s) who is performing the nalungu will cook the bride’/groom’s favorite food varieties and will feed them; this is SORU KUDUTHAL.

Note – for THAI NALUNGU, which is the first NALUNGU, the food should be vegetarian.



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