Mylanchi Ideel
Mylanchi Ideel is the beautification of the bride, a ceremony that happens by smearing of henna on the bride’s palms and feet.
In this Knanaya wedding ceremony, first, a ‘pulpaya’ (mat) was placed on the stage to symbolize the creation of the stage.
Next, three wooden stools were placed on the ‘pulpaya’, one for the bride, Divya, and the other two for Divya’s ‘avakashi’ or parental relatives who help with the application of henna.
Then, the mylanchi ceremony began by applying mylanchi on the bride’s palms.
Later, Divya went for a dress change while the guests were entertained by the cousin's performance.
Few kids with the “Thaalam” escorted Divya onto the stage.
Divya reentered the venue along with the dancers and sat on the wooden stool where. A ‘Kuthuvilakku’ was placed near the bride’s stool.
Her relatives fed her ‘paachoru’.
For all Knanaya wedding customs, those who have the main role in the ceremonies have to ask thrice the permission from the guests before they start the ceremony. After the guests give their permission, the bride’s parental relatives give her ‘paachoru’ as well as gold ornaments.
Divya's Mylanchi Ideel ceremony was held at St Marys Church Parish Hall And Cultural Center Nediyasala on 20th April 2022.