Oonjal in a Tamil wedding: meaning and ceremony proceedings

Among the traditions that can be found during a Tamil Hindu wedding, the Oonjal is certainly one of the most visually beautiful.

The bride and groom sit together on a swing decorated with flowers while their relatives surround them and take part in various blessing gestures.

However, this tradition is not practiced identically in all Tamil weddings. Its course can vary according to families, communities and the religious traditions followed.

What is the Oonjal ?

The word Oonjal refers to a swing.

During some Tamil wedding ceremonies, a specially decorated swing is installed to seat the future married couple.

They sit side by side while the swing is gently set in motion.

This moment usually takes place surrounded by parents and relatives and can be accompanied by songs, music and various traditional gestures.

What is the meaning of the Oonjal ?

The Oonjal is often associated with the beginning of the couple's life together.

The movement of the swing can notably represent the different moments the newlyweds will encounter throughout their life and the importance of finding their balance together.

Beyond this symbolism, the Oonjal is above all a family moment during which relatives surround and bless the couple.

Interpretations and the gestures performed can nevertheless vary from one family to another.

How does the Oonjal ceremony take place ?

There is no single sequence applicable to all weddings.

According to family traditions, several steps may accompany the Oonjal.

The couple generally takes their place on a decorated swing.

Family members then gather around the bride and groom to participate in the different rituals planned.

In some traditions, the newlyweds may also receive sweet milk or bananas during this stage.

The entire sequence should ideally be confirmed with the families and the priest before the wedding.

When does the Oonjal take place ?

The position of the Oonjal in the wedding schedule depends on the tradition followed.

In some Tamil ceremonies, it occurs before the main religious rituals of the wedding.

It is therefore important to ask the priest to specify its placement in the program.

This also allows you to inform:

• the photographer ;
• the videographer ;
• the decorator ;
• the musicians ;
• the wedding planner or wedding coordinator.

Each provider will thus know when the Oonjal should be ready.

How to decorate an Oonjal for a Tamil wedding ?

The decoration of the swing today constitutes an important part of its staging.

It can remain very traditional or be adapted to the overall theme of the wedding.

Flowers

Flowers are particularly suited to decorating an Oonjal.

It is possible to use:

• jasmine ;
• roses ;
• white flowers ;
• colorful floral arrangements ;
• hanging garlands ;
• foliage.

The choice will naturally depend on the theme and colors of the wedding.

For the entire decoration: Décoration de mariage tamoul : Mandap, fleurs et inspirations

The background of the Oonjal

A set can also be installed behind the swing.

For example:

• floral wall ;
• fabric curtains ;
• flowered arch ;
• traditional elements ;
• temple-inspired décor ;
• modern and elegant decoration.

The seats

It is also important to provide a comfortable and sufficiently stable seat for the bride and groom, especially when their outfits are voluminous.

The installation must above all be solid and suitable for the use of a swing with two people.

Where to install the Oonjal ?

The location must be chosen before the wedding day.

There should be enough space for:

• the swing ;
• the bride and groom ;
• family members ;
• the priest when his presence is necessary ;
• the photographer ;
• the videographer ;
• any musicians.

So avoid installing the Oonjal in a passage that is too narrow.

For photos, it is also preferable that the decor behind the swing is aesthetic and uncluttered.

The Oonjal and wedding photos

The Oonjal is an excellent moment to take photos of the couple and their families.

It is therefore recommended to inform the photographer of the exact moment when this ceremony will take place.

They will thus be able to prepare:

• general photos of the ceremony ;
• portraits of the newlyweds ;
• photos of the parents ;
• close-ups of the flowers and decoration ;
• the traditional gestures ;
• the reactions of the families.

The videographer should also be notified in order to film the entire sequence without interrupting the ceremony.

To organize photo and video coverage: Photographe et vidéaste pour mariage tamoul : les moments à ne pas manquer

Is it mandatory to have an Oonjal ?

No.

Not all Tamil Hindu weddings necessarily include an Oonjal ceremony.

Traditions can vary considerably according to families and communities.

Before including it in your wedding, therefore discuss it with your parents, your family and the priest who will conduct the ceremony.

The objective is not to add a ritual simply because it is aesthetically pleasing, but to respect the traditions your family wishes to pass on.

Preparing your Oonjal: the checklist

If the Oonjal is part of your ceremony, remember to check the following items:

• ☐ Confirm the ritual with the priest and families
• ☐ Determine the time of the Oonjal
• ☐ Reserve or rent the swing
• ☐ Check its stability and capacity
• ☐ Choose the decoration
• ☐ Order the flowers
• ☐ Allow enough space around the swing
• ☐ Inform the decorator
• ☐ Inform the photographer
• ☐ Inform the videographer
• ☐ Notify the family members participating in the ritual
• ☐ Add the Oonjal to the official wedding schedule

Other traditions of the Tamil wedding

The Oonjal is just one of the many steps that can compose a Tamil Hindu wedding.

Depending on the families, the ceremony may also include the exchange of Maalai, different religious rituals and of course the Thali ceremony.

To learn more:

• Mariage tamoul hindou : traditions et déroulement de la cérémonie
• Le Thali dans un mariage tamoul : signification et tradition

Finding vendors for your Tamil wedding

Installing an Oonjal may require the involvement of several professionals: decorator, florist, furniture rental, photographer or videographer.

On DreamWeds, search for the providers suited to your wedding and more easily prepare your event.