Brahmin - Iyengar Brides

Iyengars are a Tamil-speaking community of Hindu Brahmins. They are also known as Ayyangar or Aiyengar. The community is known to be believers of the Visishtadvaita philosophy of Ramanuja and Sir Vaishnavism.

Iyengar is believed to be the English variant of the Dravidian word Aiyangar. Ayya is a word that translates to Arya in Sanskrit and translates to noble in English. On the other hand, Garu translates to the esteem in English. Another school of thought is that the term was coined and used for the first time by Ramanuja Ayyangar of Tirupati lots of years ago.

Iyengar matrimony rituals are deeply rooted in age-old practices and beliefs that have been passed on for generations. The rituals are very elaborate and involve practices of kinship affiliations for Iyengar brides as they enter a new family. From Vethalaipakku, a ritual where the Iyengar bride and groom exchange gifts, to Nalangu, where the newly married duo play games while the wedding guests sing songs, the rituals are carried with utmost verve, pride and joy. The idea of interfaith weddings is still not welcome in most Iyengar families.