Kotaru Chettiars' Wedding Rituals of Pavom Puja and the Hidden Social Status Symbol in the Foot Worship Ritual

Abstract

Each caste follows different wedding rituals with a specific meaning. Basically, there are two important rules in a caste. First rule tells who you should not marry and second rule tells who u can marry. The first rule is strict than the second rule. There is no society that does not follow this rule. On that basis, the Kotaru Chettiars are also following the marriage ceremony of their caste group. The kinship structure formed by marriages and the exchange of brides have certain peculiarities. 'Bringing', 'Giving' means bringing the bride and giving to the groom. This happens within the intimate relationship and outside the relationship. In this type of marriage relationship, in South Indian regions, both bride and groom’s family are considered equal. But in North India, the tradition is just opposite where bride givers are considered inferior and bride takers are considered superior. So, in the north Indian marriage relationship, the bridegroom's feet are washed by the father of the bride, 'Pavom Puja' is followed. But in South Indian tradition, the groom and the bride fall at the feet of their father and mother and worship their feet. But the Chettiars living in Kumari, a part of South India, are following the North Indian marriage laws, Pavom Puja. What is the reason for this? This article will be an attempt to restore the hidden historical background behind the rituals of Pavom Puja.