 Kongu Vellalar Marriage |
| The Kongu Vellalar marriage can be said to resemble the ‘prasaapathiyam’ type marriage of
the Aryans. In Kongu Vellalar marriage, the bridegroom’s family goes to the bride’s house, propose the marriage
and request the consent of the bride’s family for the alliance. After obtaining consent from the bride’s family,
the marriage takes place.
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| Kongu Vellalar Marriage Rites and Marriage Venue |
| In the Past, kongu Vellalar marriages took place in bride’s house. In those days, it was the
practice that only very close relatives were invited for the marriages. However, nowadays relatives, friends,
neighbors and other known persons are being invited in large numbers for the marriages. For want of sufficient
space and other needed facilities, the marriages are not held in the houses, but held in marriage halls which
have come up in large numbers to suit the budget and requirements of all categories of people.
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| Marriage Season Dr Sasivalli, in her book ‘Thamizhar Thirumanam’ has stated as follows: |
Ancient Tamils considered spring (April-May) Season, day with moon and rogini and early morning
time suitable for conducting the marriages. With passage of time, changes and modifications took place in season,
day and time.
Kongu Vellalar do not conduct marriages in the months of Aadi and maargazhi. Generally, they do not choose
even Chithirai for conducting the marriage. Marriages are held mostly in the months of Vaikaasi, Aani and Asvani
taking into consideration the fact that the season will be good during these months and also jasmine flower of
lovable fragrance which is required in large quantities for the marriage, will be available in plenty during this season.
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| The marriages of Kongu Vellalar are celebrated for three consecutive days |
| The First day event The first day event is called ‘Naal virundhu’. On this day, close relatives
of the bride and bridegroom will host feast for the bride’s family and bridegroom’s family respectively. |
| The Second day event On the second day, marriage arrangements will be done by brining together
all relatives. Events such as erection of pandhal (temporary shed), cutting of ‘Muhurtha Kaal’, hairdressing of
bridegroom by kudimagan, informing the marriage event to village community by drum beating, hosting of feast for
the relatives in the bride’s family as well as bridegroom’s family, bridegroom leaving for the bride’s house will
take place on the second day. The marriage event will take place in bride’s house.
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The Third day event The muhurtham will take place on third day. The bride and the bridegroom
will be seated on the marriage platform on completion of appropriate rites. The thaali (mangala naan) will be
tied by the bridegroom around the bride’s neck and mangala vaazhthu song will be recited.
The marriage events will come to a close with the serving of grand feast to all relatives, friends and neighbors.
The marriage events will be performed by a respected elderly person of the community itself called arumaikaarar.
This section explains the various events of the marriage ceremony. All the rites are performed only in the Tamil language.
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| Kongu Vellalar Marriages in Tamil Literatures |
| Kongu Vellalar had held high positions such as chieftains and army generals. Hence rites relating
to government administration and war find their places in Kongu Vellalar marriages The events such as bridegroom riding
a horse in olden days, giving gifts and presents including weapons are examples of the above. The main occupation of
Kongu Vellalar was agriculture and they excelled in it by their hard work and dedicated efforts. Hence agriculture
related rites such as boiling paddy and seer koodai formed part of the marriage rites of Kongu Vellalar.
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| Ancient Marriage rites |
| The marriage rites of Kongu Vellalar are ancient. The community enjoyed high reputation, influence,
popularity and respect even from a Sangam age. Hence most of the marriage rites of Kongu Vellalar resemble those rites,
which existed in Sangam age. These rites are entirely different from the Aryan rites, which entered later into the lives
of people of Tamil Nadu.
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| ‘Mangala vaazhthu’ song |
| The mangala vaazhthu song, which is, recited only in kongu Vellalar marriages. This song explains in
detail and in sequence all the events related to a marriage from the beginning to the end. The song has been written in
such a way that it describes the marriage events in a grand manner as if it is taking place in a king’s family. The Status,
life, style, culture, and nature of society and relationship of Kongu Vellalar are very well brought out by the above song.
The mangala Vaazhthu song is qualified to be spoken literature. |
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| The art of marriage |
| Kongu Vellalar strives their best to lead a successful and prosperous domestic life after marriage. |
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| The art of marriage, as spelt out by a statesman, is mentioned below |
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A good marriage must be brought into being.
In marriage, little things are the big things.
It is never being too old to hold hands .
One must not forget to say 'I love you' at least once a day.
One must not go to sleep in anger
It is a must to have a mutual sense of values and common objectives.
Marriage is standing together facing the world.
It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family.
It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating family.
It is having capacity to forgive and forget.
It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow.
It is not marrying the right person, it is being the right partner.
Kongu Vellalars are known to lead a married life of understanding, love and affection between husband and wife
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