Anirudh, Kavya Maran’s wedding had no priests or mantras, why?

Hyderabad: Music composer Anirudh Ravichander and Sunrisers Hyderabad CEO Kavya Maran’s dreamy wedding in Greece has been making headlines ever since the couple tied the knot on November 11. From their stunning wedding outfits to the star-studded guest list, every detail has caught fans’ attention. However, one particular aspect of their wedding has now become a major talking point.

Unlike traditional Hindu weddings, Anirudh and Kavya reportedly skipped priests, Sanskrit mantras and elaborate religious ceremonies. Instead, the couple opted for something known as a ‘Self-Respect Marriage‘, a tradition that has its roots in Tamil Nadu’s social reform movement.

What happened at Anirudh and Kavya’s wedding?

Photographs from the wedding showed Anirudh tying a chain around Kavya’s neck, leaving several social media users curious about the rituals followed by the couple.

Responding to the speculation, DMK IT Wing Secretary Dr T R B Rajaa confirmed on X that Anirudh and Kavya had opted for a Self-Respect Marriage.

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He revealed that the newlyweds exchanged garlands and chains in the presence of their family members and friends.

Interestingly, Tamil superstar Rajinikanth and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin also played a special role in the ceremony. While Rajinikanth handed a chain to Anirudh, MK Stalin presented another to Kavya, which the couple exchanged as a symbol of their union.

What is a Self-Respect Marriage?

For those unaware, the concept of Self-Respect Marriage was introduced as part of the social reform movement led by Periyar E V Ramasamy in Tamil Nadu.

The tradition challenges caste-based discrimination and the belief that religious priests are necessary to solemnise a marriage.

Instead of elaborate rituals, couples can declare their commitment to one another in the presence of family members, friends or other witnesses. The ceremony may involve exchanging garlands, rings or chains, with mutual consent and equality forming the foundation of the union.

Self-Respect Marriages received legal recognition in Tamil Nadu through Section 7-A of the Hindu Marriage Act, introduced by a state amendment in 1967.

Anirudh and Kavya’s wedding celebrations

The couple’s wedding festivities began with their engagement on November 10, followed by the main ceremony on November 11 in Greece.

Several prominent personalities, including Rajinikanth, Latha Rajinikanth, Aishwarya Rajinikanth, MK Stalin and Udhayanidhi Stalin, attended the celebrations.

Anirudh also shared his first wedding photograph with Kavya on Instagram, captioning it, “My once in a lifetime, for a lifetime. 11.11.”

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According to reports, the newlyweds are now preparing for a grand wedding reception in Chennai on November 21, which is expected to bring together several prominent personalities from the film industry, politics and business.

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