The Tamil Nadar Kalyanam or wedding represents the culture of the community. They seek the blessings of God, their ancestors and elders of the family during the wedding rituals. Family bonds are considered to be special and care is taken to maintain happy relations.
What is Maman Sastram in Tamil Nadar Weddings?
After the Valayal paduthal ceremony, a special ceremony is held which gives importance to the maternal uncle. Maman sastram means the cloth given by the maternal uncle. He is always given respect and enjoys a privileged position in the family. Most of the decisions taken in the house need his participation and approval. The high status the maternal uncle enjoys in the Nadar caste in Tamil Nadu is made very clear as one observes the pre-wedding ceremony of Maman Sastram.
Here the bride and groom are offered new clothes and other gifts from the Uncle. He shares his love and blesses the couple with a long, prosperous life. The affection is equally returned by the new couple and they also present him with new clothes. The exchange symbolises the firm bond between the maternal uncle and his younger generation. He promises to be there for the bride when in need and in return, she offers the highest form of respect towards her uncle by allowing him to perform this ritual.
Tamil Nadars have always been well known for upholding family traditions. They consider the relations between family members very sacred and have a ritual to involve all the important people of the family.