'Pretha Maduve': Karnataka family seeks dead groom for daughter who died 30 years ago

Mangaluru: A recent newspaper advertisement seeking a groom for a woman who passed away thirty years ago has become a major topic of conversation in Dakshina Kannada district. This unconventional ad, placed by a family in Puttur, aims to arrange a marriage for their deceased daughter. The family believes that her unmarried status in the afterlife may be the source of their ongoing misfortunes.

Thirty years ago, the family experienced a tragedy when their infant daughter passed away. Since then, they have encountered numerous unexpected challenges.

After seeking advice from elders, they were told that their deceased daughter's unsettled spirit could be causing their troubles.


In a unique effort to bring peace to her soul, the family decided to arrange a marriage for her.

To find a groom for their daughter who died three decades ago, the parents placed an advertisement in a widely read district newspaper.

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 deceased groom of the same age and caste proved elusive, say the heartbroken parents.

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.

In this region, arranging marriages for deceased individuals holds deep emotional significance.

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.

Inputs from PTI