Welcome to Part 2 of my Traditional Telugu Seemantham series! In Part 1, I shared the DIY decor we created and a checklist of Seemantham essentials. In this post, I’ll walk you through the detailed procedure of the Seemantham ceremony, along with some memorable pictures and the outfits we wore for the event.
How Seemantham is celebrated in Telugu families may vary slightly from one region to another. Still, certain traditions remain common, such as adorning the mom-to-be with bangles, performing Mangala Aarthi, and offering blessings for a safe and healthy delivery.
Note: The procedure I’m sharing in this post is simply what we followed as a family. I enjoy honoring traditions, but I’ve never believed there’s only one “right” way to do things. Growing up, the way I celebrated festivals was a little different from how Rajesh did—and a couple of years into our marriage, I’ve realized that what truly matters isn’t how we celebrate, but that we’re enjoying celebrating it together.
We pour so much love and effort into planning these special moments, hoping they turn out just right. But if we aren’t able to enjoy the moment, what’s the point? I’ve found joy in blending our families’ traditions and making our own.
So to all the moms-to-be reading this: take a deep breath, soak it all in, and enjoy your day. Let it be filled with laughter, love, and meaningful memories—however they come.
This post is here to help lighten your planning load and add a little more ease and joy to your beautiful celebration!
Check part 1 to learn about which months of Pregnancy Seemantham is celebrated and for the essential checklist.
Traditional Telugu Seemantham Procedure
Our baby shower took place last November, with the hints of golden glow still hanging around, R&R Studio captured those golden moments so beautifully for us. Sameen turned 15 minutes (the time we gave her for portraits before going in for the ceremony) into memories we’ll cherish forever.
1. Seating the Mother-to-Be
The ceremony begins with the mom-to-be being brought to the throne chair and seated. Traditionally, I’m not sure who accompanies her, but in our case, my sister-in-law did.
2. Offering the New Saree
My in-laws sent a new saree to be presented to me during the ceremony since Seemantham isn’t a tradition followed in my parents’ family. In some traditions, the mother presents the saree, and in some in-laws do. Usually, the mom-to-be changes into the gifted saree, but since I hadn’t gotten the blouse stitched and wanted to keep it minimal with no outfit changes, I chose to stay in the one I was already wearing. As my in-laws couldn’t attend the event, my sister-in-law (Rajesh’s sister) offered the saree to me on their behalf.
3. Bangle and Blessing Ceremony
This is the common ceremony of Sreemantham across all of South India. One by one, all women (with their families) come forward to offer blessings to the couple. It starts with parents, elders, and then is followed by the rest of the beloved family and friends.
The ceremony includes applying Kumkuma to her forehead, then pasupu (turmeric) is applied on her feet (only by her mother), and gandham (sandalwood paste) is dabbed on her neck. A few drops of paneru (scented flower water) are sprinkled to bless. Then comes the most cherished part of the Seemantham—two glass bangles are adorned onto each wrist, their soft chime believed to calm and comfort the baby in the womb.
The ceremony ends with the couple being showered with akshinthalu (turmeric rice), as everyone offers warm blessings for a safe delivery and a healthy baby.
4. Tambulam Distribution
After the blessings, the mom-to-be offers tabulam (Betel leaves, banana, and betel nuts) to all the women present, or a select group of 3 or 5 women, depending on the size of the gathering. Return gifts or party favors can also be distributed at this point if you are giving Tambulam to everyone.
5. Vodi Nimpadamu (Offering fruits and Sweets)
As part of the ritual, married women offer a variety of sweets like Chalimidi, laddoo, kajja, putharekulu, and fruits like apples, oranges, usually totaling 9 or 11 items, to the mom-to-be. During this offering, the mom-to-be holds out her saree pallu (cheerakongu) in her lap to receive them. This beautiful tradition is called “Vodi Nimpadam” in Telugu, which means “filling the lap,” symbolizing abundance and blessings for the mother and the baby. In some families, it is also customary to gift a saree along with the offerings.
6. Mangala Harathi
Lastly, the women offer Mangala Harathi to the parents-to-be while singing traditional Harathi songs, marking the conclusion of the ceremony.
After this, we handed out return gifts to all the guests. You can check Part 1 of this post to see what I included in the goodie bags.
Family Seemantham Outfits
Coming to my favorite part—lol—the outfits we wore! I knew exactly what I knew I wanted to wear yellow saree that moment I started thinking about this day. I’ve always had a soft spot for yellow—it holds a sentimental value for me, though I can’t quite explain why. It just feels special. Plus, it complemented the traditional backdrop we planned so beautifully.
I also knew I wanted a saree with a small border—big borders can feel a bit too heavy. I wanted the bump to take center stage, with everything else acting as a complement to highlight that beautiful moment. I envisioned a mustard yellow saree—something more muted that would also perfectly reflect the fall season.
But let me tell you, finding a simple, classic yellow Kanjeevaram saree was no easy task! I searched high and low until I finally found the one at Chithralooms, a brand known for its vintage and timeless Kanchipattu sarees. The moment I saw the purple border, I was in love. It had that nostalgic, old-world charm I’ve always adored.
I envisioned a natural, traditional look—no tight pleats, minimal makeup —something I usually prefer and feel most comfortable in. And a long braid woven with fresh iasmine flowers. Thanks to the talented Swathi for giving me everything I wanted and more. If you live in the DMV area, highly reccomend her!
For jewelry, I wore all my wedding jewelry, it was a conscious decision for me to re-wear the whole jewelry set because I wanted to relive that joy and truly enjoy decking up in something that already means so much to me. Plus, re-wearing is cool!
For my hair, I went with a similar style to what I had for my wedding as well, but a simpler version. I asked the make artist to wrap fresh mogra garlands through the braid instead of a Poola Jada. (I’ve shared all the details on where I got the garlands in Part 1!)
For the boys, I customized a white kurta set paired with a Banarasi brocade jacket. While I wasn’t entirely happy with how it turned out—I had envisioned a more luxurious silk kurta set—the final result didn’t quite match that vision. The jackets also ended up being slightly smaller than expected. That said, they still looked lovely, and both of them looked incredibly handsome regardless!
Favorite Moments From Seemantham
My typically reserved South Indian parents couldn’t help but get adorably awkward when the photographer asked them to kiss me 😄. Look at their fake kissing!
One with my parents separately, cause I don’t remember the last time I took solo pictures with each of them!
A special one with my besties—friends I’ve had the joy of knowing since 2006, which makes it 19 incredible years of friendship!
Through every stage of life—college, jobs, marriages, and now motherhood—they’ve been my constant. The fact that they traveled from different states on a weekday, to be there for my special day meant a lot to me.
A special one with my sister-in-law (Rajesh’s elder sister)—the older sister I never had!
With my two little loves—my whole heart in two frame. <3
A sweet candid of my mom—though I have a feeling it won’t stay up for long once she sees the post, she might ask me tells me to take it down!
With all my ladies!
A picture with everyone who attended the event- all our friends and family!
Vendor Sources
Saree from Chithralooms
Rajesh & V outfits are Custom made
Jewlery from my Wedding
Hair, Makeup and Saree Draping by Swathi Mua
Photography by R&RStudio
Decor Details here
That’s a wrap on my Seemantham series! This day will forever be etched in my heart as one of the happiest and most meaningful moments of my life.
The love and effort shown by my friends and family—who traveled from different states like Ohio, New Jersey, and Illinois, and even from another country, all during a weekday—meant the world to me.
I’m deeply grateful for this small but tight-knit circle of loved ones. Your presence made this day unforgettable!
Beautifully put Suri!!! So glad I could be a part of your special day! wishing you and the baby endless love and blessings!
Such a beautiful tradition! 🎉 It’s wonderful to see cultural rituals like the Telugu Seemantham being celebrated and shared across the world. Traditions that honor new life bring so much joy and meaning. For anyone interested in natural approaches to pregnancy and postpartum care, there are some great resources here: https://prirodnolecenje.in.rs. Thanks for sharing this inspiring celebration!