| Like the Muslims else
where, a Muslim Wedding in Kerala is a simple agreement between
the boy and the girl's father. The presence of the girl is not essential
for the Wedding. The "nikkah" - the ritual of agreement
- needs to be made in the presence of two male witnesses and the
services of the mullah (musaliar in Kerala), is needed for observing
some of the Islamic guidelines. The groom needs to give a mehr (dowry)
to the girl's father while accepting his daughter as his wife. Islam
does not specify any religious ceremony for Weddings as such. Like
other communities in Kerala, the elders occupy the center stage
and decide the future of their concerns. Rather than the compatibility
factor, the financial and social standings get importance. Once
the initial discussion between the two families is over, the girl
and boy get to meet each other. If they like each other, a particular
day is fixed for the initial process, "valayidal"- the
custom of giving gold ornaments to the girl.
The date for the function of engagement is arranged after consultations.
On this day, some male members of the bride's family will go to
the groom's house, and after reciting some parts of the Holy Koran
(usually the first chapter); the boy will be given some gold ornaments
or cash. This is a agreement, not bound by any law or religious
custom, and can be broken, if one wishes so. In Kerala on the preceding
day of the Wedding, sister of the groom and some female relatives
proceed to the bride's house to take part in "mailanchi"
(or mehendi)- a practice of applying henna on the girl's hand to
make her beautiful. On the wedding day, the groom and his friends
and family will reach the place of the wedding (it can be held at
any place. In Kerala it is usually held at a wedding halls and some
use the option of marrying at mosques) at the agreed time. Brother
of the girl receives him there and a bouquet and garland is offered
to the groom.
Then the groom is led to the place where "nikkah"- the
wedding agreement- will take place (men and women are segregated
at all the functions). After reciting some portions from the holy
Koran, by the mullah, the groom and the father of the bride are
made to express the oath of acceptance. In Kerala the bride's father
makes the statement to the effect that he marries away the girl
to the prospective husband according to the Islamic way. The groom
then declares his acceptance of that commitment and that he has
married the woman according to the terms specified. In Kerala after
this the groom is led to the women's section where he will tie a
gold chain around the neck of the bride, assisted by his sister.
After the wedding there is a big reception, given by the bride's
parents to guests from both sides. After the reception the bride
is taken to the groom's house and later they will proceed towards
the bride's house.
MAA Kerala,
Specialists in Gift ideas for Muslim wedding gift to Kerala.
We send flowers, cake , mundu, kasavu mundu, kasavu sari, Sari,
toys, and sweets to kerala for Weddings.
Contact us today to find out more about how we can help you to
send a Wedding gift to your loved one in kerala,
email: sales@maa-kerala.com
or browse our gift categories.
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