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Like the Muslims else where, a Muslim marriage in Kerala is a simple
agreement between the boy and the girl's father. The presence of
the girl is not essential for the marriage. 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 marriage 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 marriage, 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 marriage day, the groom and his friends and
family will reach the place of marriage (it can be held at any place.
In Kerala it is usually held at marriage 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
marriage 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 Sending Muslim Marriage Gifts for friends
in Kerala . We send flowers, cake , mundu, kasavu mundu, kasavu
sari, Sari, toys, and sweets to kerala for Marriages.
Contact us today to find out more about how we can help you to
send a gift for the Marriage of your loved ones
in kerala, email: sales@maa-kerala.com
or browse our gift categories.
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