Family seeks 'Spirit' groom for deceased daughter | Fusion - WeRIndia

In a unique tradition, a family from Puttur in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka has placed an unusual advertisement in a local newspaper.

They are seeking a suitable ‘spirit’ groom for their daughter, who passed away thirty years ago, to conduct a traditional ceremony known as Kule Madime or Pretha Maduve.

Kule Madime is a custom prevalent in Tulunadu, the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. This tradition involves marrying the spirits of deceased individuals. 

The advertisement, published a week ago, specifies the family’s search for a boy from a specific caste and gotra to participate in the Pretha Maduve ceremony. The ad also provided contact information.

One of the family members of the deceased woman revealed that as many as 50 people have expressed interest, since the advertisement’s publication.

He added that they will soon finalise the date for the ritual. The family has been searching for a suitable match for the past five years.

Initially, the family was sceptical about receiving responses to their ad. Besides, they were worried about being trolled when giving the advertisement. But to their surprise, many people showed interest. Many people from different castes also contacted them to learn more about the practice.

Kule Madime or Pretha Maduve is a traditional practice believed to bring a sense of fulfilment or salvation to departed souls who died unmarried. Conducting these rituals is thought to remove hindrances preventing prospective brides or grooms from finding suitable matches.

This practice is part of Pitr Aradhane or ancestor worship. It is a ceremony performed for the deceased, typically conducted similarly to a wedding ceremony for living individuals, although specific rituals may vary depending on the caste.

The family from Puttur has shown how deeply rooted cultural traditions can still find relevance and respect in modern times, bringing both awareness and participation from the community.

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