Keerthi with Praveen

What is Edurukolu?

Edurukolu (ఎదురుకోలు) comes from the Telugu words for “going forward to receive”. It is a cherished Telugu wedding tradition held on the eve of the wedding, when the bride’s family formally welcomes the groom’s family.

• The welcome

  As the groom’s family arrives, the bride’s family steps forward to greet them face to face with aarti, garlands, flowers and sweets. Elders exchange gifts such as clothes, fruits and betel leaves, marking the start of a lifelong bond between two families, not just two people.

• Fun and banter

  Expect plenty of light-hearted teasing, friendly banter about whose side is better, music, dancing and laughter. For relatives meeting for the first time, it is the perfect icebreaker.

• Dinner together

  The evening ends with a hearty dinner shared by everyone, setting a joyful tone for the muhurtham the next morning.

So come hungry, come ready to cheer for your side, and help us welcome our families together!

Rituals of a Telugu wedding

A Telugu wedding is a series of beautiful rituals, each with its own meaning. Here are a few you will see on the day.

• Gowri Pooja

  Before the ceremony, the bride prays to Goddess Gowri (Parvati) for a long and happy married life. Traditionally, her maternal uncles then carry her to the mandapam in a decorated bamboo basket.

• Kanyadaanam

  The bride’s parents place her hand in the groom’s, entrusting their daughter to him and welcoming him into their family.

• Jeelakarra Bellam

  At the exact muhurtham, the curtain between the couple is lowered and they place a paste of cumin and jaggery on each other’s heads, a promise to stay together through the bitter and the sweet.

• Mangalya Dharanam

  The groom ties the sacred mangalasutram around the bride’s neck with three knots.

• Talambralu

  The couple playfully shower each other with turmeric-coloured rice. Everyone cheers for their side, so pick a team!

• Saptapadi

  Holding hands, the couple take seven steps around the sacred fire, each step a vow: nourishment, strength, prosperity, happiness, family, harmony and lifelong friendship.