What is the Madras Ceremony?

The Madras Wedding Ceremony is a vibrant and spiritual celebration rooted in Indo-Guyanese and Tamil traditions — a beautiful fusion of heritage, family, and love. It’s a way for us to honour Kali’s Tamil and Guyanese roots and the generations before us who carried these traditions across oceans.

This ceremony will take place in the early afternoon, followed by a late lunch or early dinner, and then dancing and celebration into the evening!

What to Expect

• The ceremony will be conducted in Tamil, with English explanations so everyone can follow along and understand the meaning behind each ritual.
• You’ll witness sacred rituals such as:
  • Fancy rings? Only the finest mango stems for these two! (Guyanese version of a ring, but more dramatic and glamorous).
  • Blessings with flowers, fruits, coconuts, and sacred water
  • Offerings and prayers to the deities for prosperity and protection
• One of the most meaningful parts is the Saptapadi, or Seven Steps:
  • The couple takes seven symbolic steps together around the sacred fire
  • Each step represents a vow — from nourishment, strength, and prosperity to happiness, harmony, and lifelong companionship
  • This is considered the most sacred moment of the wedding, sealing the marriage with shared intentions and unity

The Seven Curries Meal

After the ceremony, you’ll enjoy a traditional vegetarian feast traditionally served on banana leaves featuring:

• Seven curries, each representing abundance, diversity, and blessings for the couple
• Rice, roti, and other traditional accompaniments
• Parsad — a sweet blessed offering shared with all guests
• Fruits and sweets — symbolic of good fortune and the sweetness of life

This meal is an essential part of the day and holds deep spiritual and cultural significance.

A Note on the Feast

We’ll be preparing the traditional seven curries meal right at the villa — with lots of love, spice, and good vibes! The cooking will take place the night before and the morning of the ceremony, and we’d love your help if you’re up for it!

Whether you’re a pro at peeling potatoes, stirring pots, or just want to soak up the experience, your hands (and laughter) are welcome and appreciated. This isn’t just a meal — it’s a communal effort and one of the most special parts of the week!

Come join us in the kitchen — the more, the merrier!

What to Wear

We would love to see everyone in traditional Indian attire, especially Madras fabric if possible — but we completely understand if that’s not within your budget.

If not in traditional wear, please choose bright and festive colours, and kindly avoid:

• ❌ Red or burgundy – reserved for the bride
• ❌ White or black – typically worn for mourning in this tradition

Please dress respectfully as the ceremony is spiritual and sacred:

• Shoulders covered
• Legs covered (long skirts, dresses, or trousers)
• Minimal skin showing

This ceremony is more than just a wedding — it’s a celebration of love, resilience, tradition, and family. We are so honoured to share it with you and can’t wait for you to experience this joyful and meaningful day alongside us.