The Timeless Allure of Brass Lamps in Indian Weddings

Craft, Culture & the Haldi Kumkum Touch

There’s something magical about a glowing brass lamp at an Indian celebration — whether it’s the soft flicker of a Kerala nilavilakku at a temple wedding or the proud stance of a Kumbakonam kuthuvilakku at a vibrant mehendi. These luminous forms don’t just light up a space — they ignite memory, tradition, and emotion.

At Haldi Kumkum, we believe that these aren’t just lamps. They are cultural heirlooms — and our job is to showcase them in ways that feel both sacred and stunning.

A Legacy of Craft: Tamil Nadu’s Kuthuvilakku

In the temple towns of Kumbakonam and Nachiarkoil, master artisans have cast brass lamps for centuries. These kuthuvilakku are often made with a blend of copper and zinc, cast using the sand-mould technique, then shaped by hand in layered parts — base, stem, bowl, and finial.

Tamil Nadu lamps are known for their ornamentation: peacock, swan, or yali finials, prayer inscriptions, and deep grooves that enhance their radiance. They’re tall, stately, and carry the spirit of South Indian ritual.

Kerala’s Nilavilakku: Clean, Symbolic, and Serene

Kerala’s nilavilakku lamps are all about elegance through simplicity. Crafted in bronze or bell metal, they feature sleek vertical forms with wide open bowls for multi-wick lighting. Used in temples, homes, and weddings alike, they’re lit during pujas, processions, and entrances — symbols of light, knowledge, and spiritual clarity.

In our Haldi Kumkum installations, these Kerala lamps are often placed at thresholds or alongside stone steps, paired with white lotus garlands or deep red roses for a rich, peaceful energy.

Karnataka's Deepa Stands: Understated Beauty

Karnataka's deepa stands (or deepada kambas) are minimal, solid, and deeply rooted in temple architecture. Unlike Tamil Nadu's ornate kuthuvilakku, these have sleek, balanced lines and a modern geometry that makes them versatile for both traditional and contemporary settings.

We love using them for Muhurtam mandapam settings, blending them with banana stems and minimal floral accents.

Haldi Kumkum’s Signature Lamp Installations

At Haldi Kumkum, we’re proud to house one of the most extensive curated collections of brassware across South India — from towering Nachiarkoil lamps to delicate hanging vilakkus and rare silver temple diyas.

What sets us apart is how we install them. Our signature style includes:

Layering brass with carved stone lamps for visual texture.

Styling with artisanal flower garlands — using tuberose, kanakambara (orange crossandra), jasmine, and banana fibre tassels.

Combining different regional styles in a single space to tell a story — like Kerala-style thookku vilakku suspended beside a Tamil standing lamp and a granite deepa from Karnataka.

Creating atmospheric lighting for weddings, muhurthams, pujas, and even art shows or exhibitions.

Whether it's a narrow staircase or a sprawling mandapam, our lamp decor transforms corners into sacred spaces. We work with craft communities across South India to ensure that every lamp we use is authentic, meaningful, and beautifully maintained.

Mixing Mediums: Brass, Stone & Silver

While brass is our first love, we often incorporate hand-carved stone lamps and silver oil diyas into our installations — especially for sacred events like Grahapravesam or Satyanarayan Puja.

Stone lamps bring a raw, temple-like grounding to the decor — ideal for garden weddings or rustic ceremonies.

Silver lamps add sparkle and contrast when paired with gold brass pieces — perfect for bridal entryways or jewelry showcases.

The true magic lies in the combination — metal, fire, fragrance, and flower — curated in a way that brings deep joy and beauty to every ritual.

For Every Occasion: From Mandap to Museum

Our brass installations aren’t limited to weddings. We’ve designed and styled lamps for:

Temple festivals and pujas

Curated exhibitions and heritage showcases

Grahapravesam (housewarmings)

Muhurtam mandapams and reception stages

We approach each space — whether it’s a five-star ballroom or your grandmother’s courtyard — with a respect for ritual, scale, and soul.

Let the Light Speak

When you choose Haldi Kumkum, you're choosing more than wedding decor. You're choosing a team that honors South India's living craft traditions, respects the spiritual role of objects, and brings grace and grandeur to every event we touch.

Let us illuminate your celebration — with stories told through flame, metal, and flower.

Book a consultation

Call / Whatsapp: +91 99017 65440

Email: info@haldikumkumenterprises.com

Based in Bengaluru | Serving across India