The Second Phase
The second phase is the actual marriage which is re-enacted very realistically. Two devotees representing Seeta's parents (King Janaka and Queen Sunayana) give their daughter Seeta in marriage to Raama, whose parents, Dasaratha and Kausalya are represented by two other devotees. One of the rituals involved in the festival is a dance which is performed holding (or rather brandishing) an olakai (a thick stick used to dehusk grains). Wheat grains are ground with the olakai. The husk covering the grains represents the worldly desires that veil the soul. The soul is represented by the grain. Raama Naama (the name of the lord) is enough to remove all the coils of desire.
The 'mangalya dharanam' or the wearing of the holy matrimonial thread takes place after which there is more dancing and singing. This time the dancing and singing represents the ecstasy and the joy of all those who actually witnessed the marriage of Seeta and Rama.
Read more about this topic: Seetha Kalyanam
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