Karnataka Family Seeks 'Spirit' Groom For Daughter Who Died 30 Years Ago, Gives Matrimonial Ad In Newspaper

A family from Puttur in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka has placed an unusual advertisement in a local newspaper seeking a suitable ‘spirit’ groom for their daughter, who passed away thirty years ago, to carry out a traditional ceremony known as ‘Kule Madime’ or ‘Pretha Maduve’.

‘Kule Madime’, a custom prevalent in Tulunadu — the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi — involves the marriage between spirits of the deceased.

Published a week ago, the advertisement specifies the family’s search for a boy from the Kulal caste and Bangera gotra, who also passed away thirty years ago, to partake in the Pretha Maduve ceremony.

“Seeking a boy for a girl from Kulal caste and Bangera (gotra). The child died about 30 years ago. In case there is a boy of the same caste and different Bari, who died 30 years ago and the family is willing to perform Pretha Maduve,” the advertisement concludes with contact information.

Speaking to The Times of India, a family member of the deceased woman revealed that since the advertisement was published in the newspaper, at least 50 people have reached out expressing interest. He further stated that they will soon finalise the date for performing the ritual.

The family member also mentioned that they have been trying to find a suitable match for the ritual for the past five years.

“When placing the advertisement, we were worried that we would be trolled, but surprisingly, this has also led to a lot of awareness about the ritual. Interestingly, a lot of people from different castes have reached out, some even to know more about the practice,” he added.

What is Kule Madime?

‘Kule Madime‘ or ‘Pretha Maduve‘ is a traditional practice observed with the belief that it brings a sense of fulfillment or salvation to departed souls who passed away without marriage. It’s thought that by conducting these rituals, any hindrances preventing prospective brides or grooms from finding suitable matches are removed.

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

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