Anirudh Ravichander And Kavya Maran Choose Self-Respect Marriage: Know The Meaning Behind Their Unique Wedding Ceremony

Popular music composer Anirudh Ravichander and Sunrisers Hyderabad co-owner Kavya Maran have been in the limelight ever since they tied the knot on November 11, 2026 in Greece. The couple's wedding photos have gone viral on social media. However, there has been much talk about the wedding as it was said to be a traditional self-respect marriage in Tamil.

The wedding has been trending as a photo of Anirudh putting a chain around Kavya's neck went viral. Many people were left wondering if the couple had gone for a traditional Hindu wedding or self respect marriage.

Self-respect marriage confirmed

• DMK's IT Wing Secretary Dr T R B Rajaa took to social media site X and clarified the wedding was a self-respect marriage.
• He shared that he couple exchanged garlands and chains. Rajinikanth gave Kavya a chain and MK Stalin gave Anirudh a chain. The bride and groom exchanged chains and blessed by their families and friends.
• The news has made fans curious, as many are talking about how special this is.

What is a self-respect marriage?

• A self-respect marriage also known as Suyamariyathai Thirumanam is a type of marriage that was started by social reformer Periyar E V Ramasamy in Tamil Nadu in 1925 as part of the Self-Respect Movement.
• The movement was to fight against casteism, social injustice and traditional practices that did not allow people to be free and equal. They promoted self respect, women's rights and equality between couples.
• There is no need for a priest or complicated rituals. The bride and groom simply state publicly in front of family, friends or witnesses that they accept each other as life partners.
• They can exchange garlands, rings or thali. The main point of a self-respect marriage is that it puts emphasis on equality, consensual and personal dignity.

When did self-respect marriages become legal?

• Self-respect marriages became legal in Tamil Nadu in 1967 after an amendment was made to the Hindu Marriage Act. This was done under the leadership of then Chief Minister C N Annadurai.
• This meant that marriages could be done through exchanging statements and simple rituals.
• It was a landmark moment in Tamil Nadu's history, allowing couples to get married without having to go through traditional priest-led weddings.

Anirudh and Kavya's wedding goes viral

Anirudh Ravichander and Kavya Maran's wedding in Greece has been one of the biggest celebrity events of the year. Many big names from cinema, politics and business attended including superstar Rajinikanth and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin.

Anirudh also posted his first wedding pictures along with the heartfelt caption: "My once in a lifetime, for a lifetime. 11.11."

The couple going for a self respect marriage has added an extra layer of intrigue to their wedding. Their marriage has sparked many conversations around Tamil wedding traditions, social reforms and the importance of equality and respect in relationships.