Hindu · Wedding day

Oonjal

The couple is seated on a decorated swing as women sing and ward off the evil eye.

Also known as: oonjal, unjal, swing ceremony

What it means

In the Oonjal, the bride and groom sit on a gently swaying swing while married women sing songs, feed them milk and fruit, and circle lamps and coloured rice to protect them from the evil eye. The swing's motion is said to represent the steady ups and downs of life the couple will face together.

What happens

  1. 1The couple sit on the swing; women sing traditional songs.
  2. 2Lamps and coloured rice balls are circled around them and cast away to ward off ill fortune.
Applies to: South Indian Hindu
This explanation is under review by a religious authority — a companion to, not a replacement for, your pandit.

More Hindu rituals

Roka / Tilak
The first formal commitment between the two families, marking that the match is settled.
Ganesh Puja
An opening prayer to Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles before the wedding rites begin.
Haldi
A turmeric paste is applied to the bride and groom for a radiant glow and protection before the wedding.
Gaye Holud
The Bengali turmeric ceremony — haldi from the groom's home is carried to the bride and applied to her.
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