Marriage ceremonies are often celebrated with great joy and festivity around the world, and India is no exception. However, in some parts of the country, these celebrations can take on a unique and somewhat unusual form. Such is the case in Karnataka’s Dakshina Kannada district, where a family has recently made headlines for placing an advertisement in a local newspaper seeking a ‘spirit’ groom for their daughter, who passed away thirty years ago.
This peculiar custom, known as ‘Kule Madime’ or ‘Pretha Maduve,’ is an age-old tradition prevalent in the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. The family, in this instance, is specifically looking for a boy from the Kulal caste and Bangera Gotra who died 30 years ago to participate in the Pretha Maduve ceremony. Notably, the advertisement has garnered significant attention, with the family reporting that they have received over 50 calls from interested individuals.
The family has been actively searching for a suitable groom for their daughter for the past five years to fulfill the ‘Kule Madime’ tradition. They have expressed both concerns and surprise over the response to their advertisement, stating that while they feared potential ridicule, it has instead raised awareness about the ritual. Interestingly, they have received inquiries from people outside of their immediate area, indicating the broader reach and curiosity surrounding this unique practice.
