Orphan Finds New Beginning as Thanal Ashram in Kodagu Hosts Traditional Kodava Wedding

Bride and groom with guests, including Mantar Gowda, Madikeri MLA, at the wedding ceremony in Madikeri. Photo courtesy: Instagram/Mantar Gowda.

Madikeri: In a heartwarming celebration of hope and belonging, a young woman residing at Thanal Ashram in Madikeri began a new chapter in her life after her wedding was solemnised in accordance with Kodava traditions on Friday.

The bride, Maina, who had been living at the ashram for the past four years, married Poovanna from Bettathur in Madikeri taluk. For Maina, who once felt she had no family or support system, the occasion marked a turning point as she stepped into a life filled with companionship and security.

Thanal Ashram, which provides shelter to those without support, transformed into a festive venue for the ceremony. The premises were decorated with green festoons, flowers, and a traditional canopy made of coconut fronds and banana stems, reflecting the essence of Kodava culture.

Bride and groom at the wedding ceremony. Photo: Special Arrangement

In a touching gesture, the ashram’s manager, Mohammed Musthafa, assumed the role of the bride’s father and performed the ceremonial giving away of the bride. The ashram was treated as her parental home, adding emotional significance to the ceremony.

The wedding stood out as a symbol of communal harmony, with people from different religious backgrounds coming together to celebrate the occasion. Despite belonging to a different faith, Mohammed ensured that the rituals were conducted strictly as per Kodava customs, earning appreciation from those present.

Mantar Gowda, Madikeri MLA, at the wedding ceremony in Madikeri. Photo courtesy: Instagram/Mantar Gowda.

Maina and Poovanna were dressed in traditional Kodava attire, and guests blessed the couple with gifts, and warm wishes. The event was attended by Madikeri MLA Mantar Gowda, Shubha, the Senior Civil Judge and Member Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) along with relatives, and well-wishers.

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