Unique Wedding Ritual of Kodipalli Clan Where Bride, Groom Swap Roles

 Kurnool: A unique pre-wedding ritual, deeply rooted in tradition, continues to be practiced by the Kodipalli clan of Patikanenivaripalem in Sanampudi village of Singarayakonda mandal in Prakasam district. The ritual stands out because of the reversal of roles between the bride and groom, showcasing the community’s rich cultural heritage and reverence towards their ancestral customs.

The tradition involves the groom dressing in a sari, complete with jewellery, flowers, and other adornments typically reserved for a bride. The bride dresses as a man with a shirt and dhoti, taking on the appearance of a groom. This dress reversal is in homage to the Kodipalli clan’s family deity Nagaarpamma, who is believed to protect and bless the community with prosperity and well-being.

The Kodipalli community comprises around 100 families and is primarily engaged in agriculture and dairy farming.

On the designated day of the pre-wedding ritual, the groom, transformed into a bride, holds a trident in one hand and sandalwood paste in the other. The bride, dressed as a groom, carries a bonam or offering on her head. In their transformed roles, the couple, accompanied by family members, relatives and villagers, lead a procession to the sacred Veerula Jammi Chettu, a significant religious site for the community.

During the procession, the bride and groom do not converse but interact only with their immediate family. This silence is said to symbolise the solemnity of the occasion. It is believed to deepen the connection between the couple. On reaching the Veerula Jammi Chettu, the couple offers prayers and presents offerings in gratitude.

“This custom has been passed down through generations by ancestors of the Kodipalli clan as a means to ensure prosperity, compatibility and harmony in the couple's married life. Elders believe that by experiencing each other’s roles for a day, the bride and groom gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for one another,” said K. Venkataramaiah of Sanampudi village.