Music composer Anirudh Ravichander and Sunrisers Hyderabad CEO Kavya Maran's wedding in Greece has drawn attention not just for its star-studded guest list but also for the kind of ceremony the couple chose.
The newlyweds exchanged garlands and chains in the presence of their families and friends, without the elaborate rituals traditionally associated with Hindu weddings.
A photograph showing Anirudh tying a chain around Kavya's neck led to questions about the ceremony.
Dr T R B Rajaa, DMK's IT Wing secretary, replied to comment on X (formerly Twitter) that the couple has opted for a self-respect marriage, a form of marriage rooted in Tamil Nadu's social reform movement.
He wrote: "YES ... Kavya and Anirudh garlanded each other... #Thalaivar handed over a chain to Kavya and #Superstar handed over a chain to Anirudh... the bride and groom exchanged chains and an union of hearts was blessed by their friends and family♥️🎊"
What is a self-respect marriage?
A self-respect marriage, known in Tamil as Suyamariyathai Thirumanam, emerged from the Self-Respect Movement launched by social reformer Periyar E V Ramasamy. The movement challenged caste hierarchies, social inequalities and practices that placed religious authority at the centre of marriage.
Also Read: Newlyweds Anirudh Ravichander and Kavya Maran pose with Rajinikanth, MK Stalin in wedding pictures
Unlike conventional Hindu weddings, a self-respect marriage does not require a priest or elaborate religious ceremonies. The couple can affirm their commitment to each other through an exchange of garlands or rings, in the presence of witnesses and loved ones.
The idea is to place the consent and equality of the two people getting married at the centre of the ceremony, rather than make religious rituals a prerequisite.
How did Anirudh and Kavya's wedding follow the tradition?
The couple got married in Greece on November 11. In a post on X, Rajaa shared details of the ceremony, confirming that they exchanged garlands and chains and received the blessings of their families and friends.
He wrote that the couple garlanded each other, with Rajinikanth handing a chain to Kavya and MK Stalin handing one to Anirudh. The bride and groom then exchanged chains as their union was blessed by those present.
The ceremony brought together family members and prominent guests, including actor Rajinikanth and former Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin.
When did self-respect marriages receive legal recognition?
Self-respect marriages received legal recognition in Tamil Nadu in 1967, when the state amended the Hindu Marriage Act to recognise marriages solemnised without the customary religious rites and ceremonies.
The amendment made it possible for couples to marry through a declaration of their commitment, with the presence of witnesses, instead of following traditional priest-led rituals.
After their wedding in Greece, the couple's families are scheduled to host a reception in Chennai on November 21. The celebration is expected to bring together guests from the worlds of cinema, politics, business and cricket.
