Karnataka has a long
historical and cultural tradition. The Kannada community is a
fun-loving race, very friendly and pure of heart. Karnataka is
not a homogeneous state as evidenced by its diversity. Kannada
spoken in different regions of the state has been colloquialized
to such an extent that in many instances it is incomprehensible
to one well versed in classical Kannada. Like the dynamic facet
of the language, their matrimonial rituals portray equal variation.
The bride is always dressed in red, just like a North Indian bride,
unlike a Southern bride who is normally dressed in green or yellow.
The groom’s attire is quite different from that of other
Indian grooms. If any state is a Mini India, it will surely be
Karnataka. The Kannada matrimonial customs seem a mix of the North
and South. Though there are similar rituals like those in Indian
matrimonials, there exist some distinct customs. There are different
communities in Karnataka and there are some differences in the
matrimonial rituals followed by each of them.
The Kannada community is made up of very gentle and tolerant people.
The elders are immensely respected and it is they who agree to
a matrimonial match. The Kannada seniors, before finalising the
‘Nischay Tamulam’, get the horoscope matched. Once
the matrimonial alliance is decided upon, it is formalised with
a plate of betel leaves and supari (betelnut).
‘Dev Karya’ is a traditional pre - matrimonial ritual
performed on the day of the arrival of the groom's family to the
village. All the gifts and items that are to be exchanged or used
in the marriage are placed in front of Lord Ganesha to seek blessings
from the Lord. On this day, haldi is applied to the bride as well
as the groom in their respective houses. Another pre - matrimonial
ritual is where the Uddin Murth - a type of grain is ground. This
occasion is considered to be very sacred.
The two Kannada families then perform a pre - matrimonial ceremony
known as the ‘Nandi’. This is performed a few days
before the actual matrimonial day. This ceremony ensures that
the rituals to follow will take place without any problems.
On the day of the marriage, the Kannada families and relatives
perform a havan at the respective homes of the bride and groom.
After this havan, the groom leaves for the bridal house or the
venue of the wedding, after taking blessings from the Gods, Goddesses
and the elders of the family. On arrival at the matrimonial venue,
the groom is welcomed with an aarti, by the sumangalis (married
women) from the girl's side.
A very lighthearted matrimonial ritual known as the ‘Kashi
Yatra’ takes place. The groom threatens the bride side of
his intentions of not wanting to get married (Brahmacharya), as
he would like to go on a pilgrimage to Kashi. All the while he
carries a walking stick, an umbrella, a fan, a coconut, a small
packet of rice & dal and a dhoti. The bride’s parents
plead with him not to leave but to get married to their daughter
who has been praying for the groom ever so fervently. The bride's
father then offers his sister’s hand in marriage to convince
the groom to stay. The bride's father brings the groom to the
mandap and performs the ‘Var Puja’. The bride's parents
honour him by washing his feet and offer him Kannada matrimonial
clothing like silk dhoti and pitambar, which are to be worn by
him.
