A wedding of a community
is a celebration of vanity
as they spend with a madness.
They circulate gifts days before
comprising of stainless steel and copper
large and small filled with murukkus
and mauvurandais (savouries:a speciality of the community)
They serve varieties of dishes for two days
including breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The menu being elaborate runs into pages.
No wonder, the chef demands a fortune.
The shreedhan runs into millions
by way of cash, gold and diamond
silverware, copperware, stainless steel utensils
wooden almirahs and furniture all made at home
from the day, a girl is born
The highlight is a gift to the girl’s mother in law
a miniature of what is given to the bride
called as mamiar saaman murai
prevalent in the community for centuries together.
A practice peculiar.
the women turn busy
preparing vadams and mauvus
pickles and vathals.
The activities replicate
a small scale industry.
Revenue is in the hat
This mercantile community
considers marriage a transaction.
The highest bidder clinches the best deal.
Eavesdropping heard the bridegroom sulks
he said, “hell with it, vettithanam
damn money spoils the spirit.” Turning found
the girl’s demeanour equally sober.