Ezhava weddings are exciting but brief and simple. Just like every other Kerala wedding, even Ezhava matrimony is simple and mainly to be carried out at the temple. As soon as things are decided both, bride’s and groom’s family start shopping and wedding preparations. If you have already attended one such wedding then you would be aware of the charm that it has. But if you haven’t then just read the information as given below as it will help you a lot if in future you get a chance to attend such a wedding.
Things to consider at Ezhava weddings
- These weddings are simple and brief: These weddings are simple. If you expect a fat and lavish wedding then this is not the place where you will experience such a thing. But yes, here you will come across the customs and rituals that are meaningful and full of fun. There are a few pre-wedding rituals like vivaha nischayam, blessing ceremony, engagement and mehendi. The weddings are simple with a few rituals and then there would be serving of authentic foods.
- The foods would be vegetarian and non-vegetarian: The people in Kerala love foods. In these weddings you will find both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food being served. There would be rice dishes, fried dishes, milk products and pickles. It is a treat to enjoy the Ezhava delicacy at the weddings. The most amazing thing is the way these food items are served. They are served on the banana leaves.
- The ritual of mock husband is now banned: There was a special ritual that took place a few years back in Ezhava caste. When the girl reaches the puberty age, she has to tie a thali in place of the necklace. This shows that she has been married with a mock husband. In this ritual, the girl has to get married to a man for whom the astrologer would say yes. But these things are banned now. Marriages are now made much simple for better.
- The dress of bride and the groom: The bride has to wear a white and golden sari for the wedding. Thus if she wants to wear some other colors for the pre-wedding rituals then she can move ahead with that. Similarly, the groom has to wear dhoti for the wedding day. Thus even he can select something different for rest of the functions.
It is believed that Ezahavas belong to Sri-Lanka. But there are many old stories behind that. Now, they have mixed very well in our culture and they in fact form around 25% of the Kerala population. If you have not yet come across Ezhava matrimony then you will have many questions about the rituals and customs. But if you get a chance to attend the wedding once then you would really love the rituals and the food that they serve. It is really fun to see the wedding rituals of different castes. Even the Ezhava weddings are quite interesting.
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