Devanga Matrimony - A Bond of a Lifetime

The Devanga migrated from the Northern Karnataka originally. People belonging to this caste are found in states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and some parts of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra as well. Referred to as Deva-Brahmin, Devanga communities were also named as Prakrut Brahmins. The rituals followed in Devanga matrimonies are very much similar to those followed in the other communities of the Hindu religion. Barring few subtle differences, the Devanga matrimony and Hindu matrimony have many common customs and traditions.

A unique feature of the Devanga marriage is that the brides as well as groom do not wear clothes made from silk during wedding ceremonies. The reason behind this custom is unknown still the tradition is still followed with great respect. Some religious gurus offer an explanation and say that silk is not worn as it is made from silk worms.

In Devanga matrimony, there are marriage consultants or mediators who help the families of marriageable boys and girls to look for prospective bride and groom. The families can choose suitable boys and girls from a long list of candidates maintained by these mediators. Usually, Devanga matrimonies are arranged marriages. Like any other Hindu Matrimony, elders of the community or parents look for the suitable matches based on several factors, like age, education, family background, appearance, status, income etc.

In Devanga matrimony, the first step towards arranging marriages is the “kundli milan” in which horoscopes of the bride and groom are matched by either the family “pandit” or any astrologer. The families meet along with the boy and girl after their horoscopes are matched. Since marriage is a very auspicious occasion meant for lifetime, it is very important that both the girl as well as the boy feel satisfied with the match.

After both the girl and the boy are ready for the match, the families meet with each other and decide the date of the engagement and wedding after consulting a priest. After the engagement ceremony, the couple seeks blessings from their elders. They are showered with gifts and best wishes as well.

Marriages are generally held at ‘choultries’ popularly known as marriage halls. Lasting 2-3 days, the Devanga matrimony is an elaborate ceremony. The bride reaches the marriage hall a day prior to the ceremony where she prays to the divine deity and seeks their blessings. “Harisna” is the first ritual after the prayers wherein the hands and feet of the bride are massaged with turmeric mixed with oil. The married women carry out this ritual.

Next ceremony is the bangle ceremony wherein a bangle woman comes to the marriage hall and all women buy new bangles. Several other rituals continue whole night and the next day, the groom goes to a temple to seek blessings from the deities. On his way to the temple, the parents of the bride intercept him and they wash his feet on a silver plate.

After this ceremony, the groom comes back to the marriage hall where the sacred thread tying ritual takes place. This indicates the culmination of bachelorhood and beginning of married life in the Devanga matrimony. A grand reception is held in the evening followed by elaborate dinner after which the newlyweds are offered best wishes for their happy married life.

Sonali writes on behalf of Jeevansathi.com, which is India’s fastest growing Matrimonial website.