Pandhakaal: Where traditions connect by uniting two souls in harmony

The Pandhakaal is a ritualistic worship done in the marriage houses of the bride and groom before the day of marriage or 3 days prior, according to their family tradition followed by their ancestors. It is also known as “Kodi yettram” or “Kappu Kattu”. First of all, a turmeric lord Ganesha is made as he is the first and foremost god to be worshiped before beginning a new happy ceremony or celebration.

This tradition is mainly followed in Tamil Nadu or by Tamilians which involves erecting a bamboo culm in front of the residence by placing them into the soil by digging a hole. This is done in marriage houses to predominantly get rid of evil eyes, protect the couples from negative influences, and directly get the blessings of the almighty and from their ancestors. They are performed at an auspicious time and they are named “Panda Kaal Muhurtham”  

Outlines of summary

1. Pandhakaal muhurtham

2.  Cultural heritage

3. Lines of procedure

4. Traditional attire

5. Men(Groom)

6. End note

1. Pandhakaal muhurtham:

A propitious time is marked by their family pandit or consider with your family elders to know the traditional custom. Where close relatives of the family are invited to do the rituals of bamboo pole erecting.  The bamboo culm is washed thoroughly with a blend of water and milk. This process is further continued by sandalwood paste, turmeric, garlands, mango leaves, and banana plant stems. All set to go for the pole erecting which involves singing a song sung by nine married women while the pole is being erected in the corner side of the house. Now the pole is adorned with the sacred ornamenting things as a tribute we give to the erected pole. This is the time when the function officially starts for the marriage.

2. Cultural heritage:

This is performed by 9 married ladies(sumangali) which symbolizes the husband's long life, and for the wife to sustain with mangalyam and kumkum for a longer period as  “Sumangali”. 

The bamboo culm should have seven diaphragms which is a line-like segment separating the bamboo culm with the hollow-like compartments visible in the bamboo stem. They are visible prominently and the count of compartments plays a major role in selecting the bamboo culm to perform the ceremony.

Milk is used to cleanse the bamboo culm for the purity it holds and the cleansing properties it has naturally. Along with that we also use water for cleaning purposes. It also symbolizes bringing purity to the newlywed's souls.

Turmeric is also used for the prosperity of the couple to live longer and holds a lot of significance towards the happening wedding. It also purifies the bamboo culm aesthetically. This also brings positive energy to the celebration when joined together with things like mango leaves(maa-yelai), flowers, bananas, and coconut which carry deep fruitful meaning to a celebration to begin.

Mango leaves are again a nature's gift that symbolizes the fertility of the feminine after marriage to be blessed with babies. This is also used for the prosperity of the family. Banana plants represent longevity, strength, and adjusting nature within the family without any conflicts.

The vibrant colors of the flowers bring joyfulness, and aromatic vibrations within the house and give soothing nature among the family members throughout the ceremony.

3. Lines of procedure:

The bamboo culm is cleansed and placed in the drilled or dug hole in the ground soil. The pole should stand straight without any tilted or slantingness, to ensure grip with the ground. Now the diety is to be performed to the pole of our traditional way and to worship the god to make the ceremony happen peacefully.

1. The auspicious time to erect the pole is when it is done during brahma- muhurtham or it can be done in the good time(nallaneram) which is given in the daily sheet calendar according to our choice.
2. This is only to be erected in the direction of the northeast(vata kilakku) or even in eesani moolai.

3. It is important to choose a bamboo pole with an odd number of segments like 7,9,11….etc is considered auspicious to perform the ritual. 
4. First, a lord Ganesha is made with the help of turmeric powder and kept in the betel leaf along with Bermuda grass(arugampul).
5. The bamboo is cleansed with turmeric water and milk.
6. Apply turmeric, and sandalwood paste, keep kumkum bindi in all the segments of the pole, and tie mango leaves to the pole to decorate them.
7. A yellow plain cloth is taken, and things like navadhanya, 11 coin rupees, and flowers are made as potli with the help of yellow cloth and tied at the top of the pole along with a mango leaf garland.
8. Then in the dug hole pour turmeric water, and cow milk, and put a handful of full navadhanya and little flowers along with a few coin rupees.
9. Tie a knot using thread which is to be in auspicious colors like yellow, red, or in combinations of both yellow-red and it is better to avoid darker shades like blue and black threads to tie the knot around the bamboo pole.
10. The pole is now set for erection in the ground by odd numbers of people involved. mainly 9 married women's(sumangaligal). If it is an apartment you can do the rituals in a newly bought flower pot filled with mud.
11. Finally, break open the coconut, collect its water for further pooja,  show aarti by praying to your beloved God, and complete the ceremony.

4. Traditional attire:

   1. Women(Bride):

      As cultural beliefs influence dresses too, it is found that wearing Kanchipuram Pattu saree for women in colors like red, yellow, maroon, gold, or the color related to the family of above-given shades are most welcomed to be worn during the performance of the ceremony. Pattu is considered for its purity and the colors determine luck, wealth, and prosperity, and bring out the feminine touch in women.

      Jewelry and accessories:

      According to our culture, jewelry is the heritage of brides as it is a tradition, as an add-on to this it has more significance when it is worn in this ceremony. As a bride, they will usually wear an ornament named maang tikka(nethichudi) on their forehead which represents wisdom. Jhumkas will enhance the look of the bride due to their larger size which represents the antique temple works in them. A necklace called Palakkad mothiram which signifies the mango for the fertility of the bride. Apart from them, women can also wear hip belts(ottiyanam), anklets, bangles, rings, and whatever they wish to wear on that day.

   2. Men(Groom):

      The groom's attire is typically a silk veshti(dhoti), shirt paired with an angavastram(shawl/towel) which is draped on his shoulder. The common color of their attire should be white or cream colors with golden or silver-colored contrast borders. It is our South Indian fashion to always go with the flow of cultural tradition to wear a dhoti.

5. End note:

This ritual holds up spiritual tradition, harmony, unity, and happiness within the souls who are going to begin their lives with love. This ceremony comes to an end with a few procedures like showing aarti with camphor, lighting up incense sticks, adoring bananas, breaking open with coconut, and pouring the coconut water around the pole clockwise as pricing nature for a new beginning. Now the elders bless the newlyweds with blessings. This unit both the family gatherings joyfully and starts the upcoming wedding celebration. 

Frequently enquired questions

1. When does the pandhakaal ceremony take place?

 It usually takes place one day prior to the marriage but it should not be performed on Saturday, if it falls on Saturday you can perform the ritual 3 days prior to the marriage day.

2. Who should perform this ritual?

A priest is booked or the relatives together themself can perform together if they practice their ancient tradition according to their cultural belief. 

3. Where should it be performed?

It can be performed indoors as well as outdoors according to the space we have in our house if we reside in an apartment system we can perform it indoors by getting a new flower pot-like thing and placing the bamboo pole in it and praying or if it is outdoors we can dig a hole in the ground and place the bamboo pole.

4. Why is bamboo used?

 Usually, bamboo is used to perform pandhakaal since it is the only plant that has diaphragms (a line-like segment separating the bamboo culm) with hollow compartments, where seven segments of bamboo culm should only be used to perform this ceremony by erecting it as the first-ever pandhal for the marriage to begin with the blessings of ancestors and God throughout the marriage ceremony to happen serenely.

5. It can be done in both the bride's and the groom's house?

Yes, of course, it can be done in both the bride and groom's house based on the practice of their family tradition followed by their ancestor's beliefs. 

6. Why do we use Navadhanya?

 It is used to get the blessings of all the navahgrahas blessings towards the marriage.