Traditionally Malayalam Ezhava weddings are simple affairs. Unlike other South Indian weddings which may last for two to three days, an Ezhava wedding is carried out in a day. In fact, even within their state counterparts, Ezhava weddings are considered to be the shortest.
\n\nFixing a Muhurtham Time in Kerala Ezhava Wedding
\nMarriage is the most important event for the bride, groom and their families and one of the most critical things in this event is fixing an auspicious time for marriage which is also called the 'Muhurtham'. The family astrologer is consulted days before the Paranjoonu (engagement ceremony). He compares the horoscopes of both the bride and groom and selects an auspicious date and time for ‘Vivaham’(tying the knot) which is to be adhered to.
It is believed that getting married at an auspicious time that is suitable for both the bride and groom will ensure that they lead a happy married life together. The month, day, nakshatras, or the stars and yogas, are checked by the astrologer to fix the ideal muhurtham time for Vivaham. The muhurtham is usually fixed early in the morning on the day of marriage. The thali tying ritual is completed within this auspicious time and the couple is blessed by kith and kin.
\n\nThough the wedding ritual is simple, the Ezhava community likes to have people in large numbers for their weddings. In earlier days, the Kerala Ezhava wedding was conducted only at the residence of the bride. Today, marriage halls are chosen for convenience and ease of managing big crowds which may be difficult for both the families.
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\n\nSignificance of the Kerala Ezhava Engagement Ceremony
\nThe Malayalam Ezhava engagement ceremony is a precursor to the wedding and happens to be one of the most important parts of the wedding celebrations. It is considered a ‘sacred beginning’ by the Ezhava community.
History Insights
\nIn the early days, the engagement announcement was done at the bride’s place where the elders of both the families got together and fixed an auspicious date for the wedding. The bride and bridegroom weren’t part of the ceremony as the elders decided for them. Being a caste-conscious group most Ezhava marriages happened between known families, references and groups.
What Happens During Kerala Ezhava Paranjoonu Ritual
\nThe Nilavillaku which is a bell metal lamp is lit in front of God along with other lamps usually made of silver or bell metal. An offering of puffed rice, coconut and tulsi leaves is done on a plantain leaf. The elders of both the bride and groom get together and fix an auspicious date in the near future based on the horoscope match. The matched horoscopes are then tied together.
Mothiram Maatal - The Engagement Ceremony
\nThe modern-day Ezhava engagement rituals include the ‘mothiram maatal’ (exchange of rings) where the bride and the groom are present for the ritual, unlike the earlier days. The couple exchange rings and this symbolises their engagement. Then gifts are exchanged between both the bride and the bridegroom families.
The Paranjoonu is an important occasion for the Ezhava bride and the groom as they decide to start a new life together. As an engagement treat, a grand feast is arranged for all the gathered guests to celebrate the alliance and the wedding.
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