Malayalam is the
principal language of the South Indian State of Kerala and the
Lakshadweep Islands (West Coast of India). The ones who speak
Malayalam are known as the Malayalees and constitute four percent
of the population of India. Remarkably liberal in their attitudes,
the Malayalees have always welcomed other languages to co-exist
with their own. Some items of basic vocabulary, (e.g. bhArya/
wife, bharthAvu/ husband) have found their way from Sanskrit into
Malayalam from Sanskrit. In doing so, they have also adapted some
of the Indian matrimonial rituals into Malayalee matrimonials.
Malyalee matrimonial ceremonies have traveled through a long and
varied evolution. A matrimonial alliance is considered socially,
emotionally and economically important. It is a known fact that
parents have often gone to great lengths to get a suitable partner
for their son or daughter. A potential Malyalee partner is one
who has a good job, a good position in society, honorable character
and reasonable looks. Malayalee marriage rituals and practices
may vary according to each section of that particular society.
Kerala has adapted very comfortably to modern life, but retains
a lot of its matrimonial traditionalism. A traditional Malyalee
wedding begins with exchanging and matching of horoscopes. Discreet
queries of the potential partner are also made within the community
and in some cases, the family deity is consulted. The auspicious
date or the ‘Muhurtham’ is then finalized in advice
to the family astrologers. The elders of the family fix the engagement
ceremony called the ‘Nischayam’ and the ‘Muhurtham’
(wedding date and time) is announced on this day to their family
and friends. The prospective bride and the groom are not allowed
to be present on this pre - matrimonial occasion.
On the eve of the wedding, a pre - matrimonial traditional dinner
is hosted at the bride’s house. She has to sit facing the
east and have a five-course meal. The bride is dressed up in Mundu
(a two piece sari - not compulsory). She is also adorned in flowers
and jewelry.
The next day the groom arrives. He is clothed in a dhoti and angavastram
and arrives at the bride's ancestral home. This is also the place
where the actual matrimonial ceremony will take place. He is seated
to the northwest of the house, as the Veli will take place in
that particular room. The father of the bride then washes his
feet to welcome him. The groom then hands over the bride’s
sari which is typical to Malayalee matrimonials and which is in
an off white colour.
