Oonjal — the swing ceremony explained

The oonjal is a gentle, joyful ceremony held during a traditional South Indian wedding, usually right after the garland exchange.

What happens

The bride and groom sit together on a decorated swing. Women of both families sing oonjal songs while gently rocking the swing, and offer the couple milk and banana.

Warding off the evil eye

Coloured rice balls — red and yellow — are waved around the couple and thrown in different directions. This is believed to ward off the evil eye and bless the couple with a happy life.

Its meaning

The gentle to-and-fro of the swing is often said to represent the ups and downs of married life — and the promise to stay steady together through them.