The Half Saree Ceremony, also known as Langa Voni or Pattu Pavadai, is a traditional Hindu ceremony celebrated in South India, usually when a girl reaches puberty. The ceremony is an important rite of passage for young girls and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and grandeur. The ceremony involves the girl wearing a traditional half saree or langa voni, which consists of a long skirt, a blouse, and a dupatta draped over the shoulder. The girl’s hair is usually adorned with flowers, and she is also decorated with jewelry. The rituals of the half saree ceremony can vary depending on the family’s customs and traditions, but some of the common practices include:

• Blessing by elders: The girl seeks blessings from her elders, such as her parents, grandparents, and other family members.
• Offering prayers: The family performs a puja or a prayer ceremony, where the girl is blessed by the priest and offerings are made to the Gods and Goddesses.
• Changing into the langa voni: The girl changes into her traditional half saree, which is usually gifted to her by her family.

The half saree function is celebrated as a symbol of transition of a young woman from a kid to adult. It is a celebration of empowerment and rite of passage, and it is widely celebrated in the Southern part of India. The celebration is grand with family showing their affluence and hospitality. The most common gift includes saree and jewelry. The ceremony is celebrated with the blessings of relatives and close friends, and the girl for whom the function is organized wears a half-saree. The traditional ensemble is called Langa Voni or half-saree. It comprises of a flared skirt, blouse, and a dupatta that is draped as a saree. The function also includes puja, a traditional food buffet, photoshoots, and DJ that makes it look like a grand festivity.