In a traditional Iyengar (Srivaishnava) wedding, the ceremonies leading up to the main wedding rituals are deeply meaningful. Two important rituals that take place before the Muhurtham are Vratham and Janavasam.
The Vratham ceremony marks the spiritual preparation of the bride and groom for marriage, while Janavasam is the celebratory procession where the groom arrives ceremonially to the wedding venue.
These rituals combine Vedic tradition, cultural symbolism, and joyful celebration, bringing families and relatives together before the sacred wedding rites begin.
Vratham Ceremony – Spiritual Preparation for Marriage
What is Vratham?
The Vratham ceremony is a preparatory ritual performed by both the bride and groom before the wedding. The word Vratham refers to a vow or sacred observance.
This ritual marks the transition of the bride and groom into the Grihastha Ashrama (householder stage of life) and prepares them spiritually for marriage.
Vratham is usually performed on the morning or afternoon before the wedding day, often at the wedding hall or at the bride’s and groom’s homes.
How the Vratham Ceremony is Performed
The ceremony is conducted by a priest who guides the bride and groom through Vedic rituals and prayers.
Ritual Steps
- Ganapathi Pooja
The ceremony begins with prayers to Lord Ganesha, seeking removal of obstacles and blessings for the wedding.
- Punyaha Vachanam (Purification Ritual)
Holy water is sanctified through Vedic chants and sprinkled around the ceremony area to purify the surroundings.
- Sankalpam (Sacred Vow)
The bride and groom take a formal vow in the presence of the priest, declaring their intention to enter married life.
- Sacred Thread or Protective Thread
A sacred thread (often called Kappu) may be tied around the wrist of the bride and groom for protection and auspiciousness.
- Blessings from Elders
Elders in the family bless the couple for a successful wedding and a happy married life.
Meaning of Vratham
Vratham symbolizes:
- spiritual purification
- readiness for marriage
- transition into responsible family life
- invoking divine blessings
The ritual reminds the couple that marriage is not only a social union but also a spiritual commitment guided by dharma.
Janavasam – The Groom’s Procession
What is Janavasam?
Janavasam is the ceremonial procession where the groom arrives at the wedding venue in celebration.
The word Janavasam refers to the public appearance of the groom before the wedding, traditionally symbolizing his arrival from another place to marry the bride.
This ceremony is usually held on the evening before the wedding day and often becomes a joyful public celebration involving music, lights, dancing, and relatives.
Traditional Meaning of Janavasam
Historically, the groom would travel from his hometown to the bride’s village for the wedding. Janavasam symbolized the groom’s formal arrival and introduction to the bride’s community.
In modern weddings, it has evolved into a festive procession celebrating the groom’s arrival.
How the Janavasam Procession Happens
The groom begins the procession from a nearby location and travels to the wedding venue accompanied by family and friends.
The procession typically includes:
- music
- dancing
- decorated vehicles
- relatives walking along with the groom
The bride’s family waits at the wedding hall entrance to welcome the groom.
Types of Janavasam Processions
Modern Iyengar weddings feature many creative styles of Janavasam.
Car Procession
The most common Janavasam is when the groom arrives in a decorated car.
The car is decorated with:
- flowers
- lights
- ribbons
Friends and relatives often walk along the car dancing to music.
Horse Procession
Some weddings feature the groom riding a horse, similar to traditional North Indian weddings.
The horse is decorated with colorful cloth and ornaments, and the groom rides it as part of the procession.
Chariot (Ratham)
In some grand weddings, the groom arrives in a decorated chariot or carriage.
This creates a royal atmosphere and makes the Janavasam visually memorable.
Walking Procession with Music
Another traditional style is when the groom walks in procession accompanied by:
- nadaswaram
- thavil
- traditional musicians
Relatives follow the groom while celebrating and singing.
Dance Procession
In modern weddings, friends and cousins often perform dance celebrations during Janavasam.
Music systems or traditional bands may accompany the procession.
Music Used in Janavasam
Music is an essential part of the Janavasam celebration.
Common music arrangements include:
- Nadaswaram and Thavil (traditional South Indian instruments)
- band music
- devotional songs
- wedding celebration music
The music adds excitement and festive energy to the groom’s arrival.
Welcoming the Groom at the Wedding Hall
When the groom reaches the wedding venue, the bride’s family performs a traditional welcome.
Ritual Steps
- Aarathi
The bride’s mother or female relatives perform aarathi to welcome the groom.
- Garland Exchange (in some families)
The groom may be welcomed with garlands.
- Introduction of Families
Elders from both families greet each other and exchange blessings.
- Entry into Wedding Hall
The groom is escorted inside the hall where the next ceremonies will take place.
Cultural Meaning of Janavasam
Janavasam symbolizes:
- joyful arrival of the groom
- celebration with family and community
- public recognition of the upcoming wedding
- welcoming the groom into the bride’s family
It also creates a festive atmosphere before the sacred wedding rituals.
Differences in Thenkalai and Vadakalai Traditions
The Vratham and Janavasam ceremonies are largely the same in both Thenkalai and Vadakalai traditions.
Minor differences may include:
- specific slokas recited by priests
- inclusion of Divya Prabandham verses in Thenkalai families
- slight variations in ritual sequence
However, the overall ceremony and meaning remain the same.
Conclusion
The Vratham and Janavasam ceremonies beautifully prepare the couple and families for the wedding day.
Vratham focuses on spiritual readiness and sacred vows, while Janavasam brings joyful celebration and family unity as the groom arrives for the wedding.
Together, these ceremonies mark the beginning of the wedding festivities and create a memorable transition into the sacred rituals of the marriage.
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