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<\/div>\nThe girl’s parents got an advertisement published in a newspaper (Representational)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Mangaluru, Karnataka: <\/b><\/p>\n
A recent newspaper advertisement seeking a groom for a woman who passed away three decades ago has become the talk of the town here in Dakshina Kannada district.<\/p>\n
The unconventional advertisement, originating from a family in Puttur in Dakshina Kannada district, aims to arrange a marriage for their dead daughter, believing that her unmarried status in the afterlife may be causing ongoing misfortunes.<\/p>\n
Thirty years ago, tragedy struck the family when their infant daughter passed away. Since then, they have faced unexpected challenges.<\/p>\n
Seeking guidance from elders, they were told that their dead daughter’s unsettled spirit might be at the root of their troubles.<\/p>\n
To bring peace to her soul, the family decided to arrange a marriage for her – an unique and poignant endeavour.<\/p>\n
To find a groom for somebody who died 30 years ago, the parents got an advertisement published in a widely read newspaper in the district.<\/p>\n
The advertisement reads: “Seeking groom who passed 30 years ago for a bride (sic) who passed 30 years ago. Please call the number to arrange a Pretha Maduve (marriage of spirits).” Despite exhaustive efforts by relatives and friends, finding a suitable dead groom of the same age and caste proved elusive, say the heartbroken parents.<\/p>\n
This unconventional practice underscores a longstanding tradition in Tulunadu – the region spread across three coastal districts of Karnataka and portion of neighbouring Kasargod district in Kerala where local dialect Tulu is spoken.<\/p>\n
In this region, arranging marriages for dead individuals holds deep emotional significance.<\/p>\n
According to Tuluva folklore experts, the departed remain connected to their families, sharing in their joys and sorrows. As a result, rituals like ‘Vaikunta Samaradhane’ and ‘Pinda Pradana’ are eschewed in favour of offerings of food and the arrangement of marriages for departed souls.\u00a0<\/p>\n
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n