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Can you imagine or have you ever attended the marriage of a couple who died 25-30 years ago and are now getting married in spirit form? In South India, there's a fascinating tradition known as Pretha Kalyanam, which translates to "Ghost marriage." This centuries-old custom involves marrying off deceased children. In the heart of Karnataka and Kerala, this peculiar tradition thrives-one that bridges the realms of the living and the dead. Welcome to Pretha Kalyanam, the marriage of departed souls.
What Is Pretha Kalyanam?
Pretha Kalyanam is prevalent among several communities in Kerala's Kasaragod district, particularly in villages that border Karnataka. The tradition involves marrying off deceased children, who died as infants or teenagers under the age of 18. The belief is that if these souls are married, they will find happiness in the afterlife and bring good fortune to their families.
Shoba and Chandappa's Wedding
A recent viral tweet brought attention to the case of Shoba Kulal and Chandappa Kulal. Both Shoba and Chandappa had passed away during infancy. Shoba choked on food when she was just 27 days old, and Chandappa died of an illness at seven days old. Despite their early deaths, their families decided to arrange a marriage for them.
Their Pretha Kalyanam was conducted with all the traditional rituals, honoring their spirits and connecting their families in a bond that transcends earthly life. This ceremony highlighted the profound connection between the living and the departed.
Spiritual Beliefs
Those who practice Pretha Kalyanam believe that the dead continue to exist in spirit and walk among us. If the deceased souls are content, they are thought to watch over their families and bring blessings. This tradition reflects a profound connection between the living and the departed, emphasizing the belief that marriage completes a person's life, even if that life was cut short.
The Ceremonial Union
The families arrange a wedding ceremony for two deceased children, following all the traditional rituals from engagement to pheras (the seven rounds around the sacred fire) and the Mangalsutra ritual (tying of the sacred thread). The groom brings a symbolic "Dharee Saree" for the bride, and they are carried by their families through each step of the ceremony. Guests and relatives even offer money to the newlyweds, a gesture of goodwill and respect.
In the case of Shoba and Chandappa, both deceased for 30 years, their families recently performed Pretha Kalyanam. Shoba and Chandappa switched places, ensuring they sit together for eternity, wherever their souls may go. This ceremony was conducted with the belief that uniting Shoba and Chandappa in marriage would bring them eternal companionship and peace.
Beyond Mortal Boundaries
Pretha Kalyanam transcends earthly norms, weaving love, tradition, and spirituality into a tapestry that unites the living and the departed. This tradition showcases the deep-rooted cultural practices that connect families beyond mortality. It also highlights the belief that a person's life remains incomplete without marriage, and this union brings solace to departed souls.
In 2019, in the village of Kulai near Mangaluru, Karnataka, two families decided to perform Pretha Kalyanam for their deceased children. The bride, Shobha Kulal, and the groom, Chandappa Kulal, had both passed away during infancy. Their families believed that this unique ceremony would bring peace to their souls and ensure their happiness in the afterlife.
The wedding was conducted with all the traditional rituals, including exchanging garlands, tying the sacred thread, and performing the seven pheras. The families and villagers participated wholeheartedly, treating it as a solemn occasion. The belief was that by uniting Shobha and Chandappa in marriage, their souls would find eternal companionship and rest.
Pretha Kalyanam remains a testament to the enduring cultural practices that connect the living and the departed. This heartwarming event garnered attention from the media, highlighting the deep-rooted beliefs and the unbreakable bond between families, even beyond mortality. In these mystical unions, perhaps souls find their happily ever after, transcending the veil of life and death.
