Baale Birud Ritual at Coorg Weddings

Baale Birud Ritual at Coorg Weddings - is a very unique ritual followed at Coorg Weddings.

just before the Groom and his family enters the wedding hall, banana stems are placed vertical on wooden stakes and elders (sometimes even young men) from the Brides and Grooms side take turns in cutting them down.



i am told that the stems are in multiples of 3.

before cutting the stems, the person holding the "kathi" prays to the Gods and ancestors and circles the stems thrice. after a brief announcement and tipping of the traditional head gear, the stems are cut in one clean blow. after cutting the stems they break into the "valaga" for a few seconds

items placed before the cutting of the stem

here using the kathi, coconut is scraped and the person prepares for cutting the stem

circling around the stems thrice

while circling around the stems, the flower on top of the stem is tapped

stem cut in one clean swing of the blade

Valaga dance

Some more pictures captured  in proper sequence

camera gear used
Canon EOS 1DX with EF 70 to 200 mm f 2.8 L IS II USM
Canon EOS 5D Mark III with EF 24 to 70 mm f 2.8 L USM