Marriage

• Marriage in the culture of the Goundars has many rules and specific procedures. Most important is the rule of Kootam/Gotra, which states that no man and woman from within the same Kootam may marry each other. They are viewed as having the same ancestry and therefore brother and sister. Marriage is typically held during the Tamil months of Vaikaasi, Aani and Asvani due to the pleasant weather during that time. Most often, marriages are held in the early morning. While it is tradition to have the marriage ceremony at the bride's home, the sheer number of guests has made this prohibitive for most households. Instead, weddings are now held at recently built marriage halls. The marriage process is three days in length. On the first day, close relatives host feasts for the bride's family and the groom's family, respectively. On the second day, a large pandhal (temporary structure intended to house the marriage ceremony) is erected, hairdressing is tended to and there is another hosting of feasts for the bride and groom's families. The marriage rites occur on the third day. It is performed in the Tamil language by a respected elderly person in the community. There is also an elaborate feast served to neighbors, friends and family.
  
  

Tamil Customs

• Tamil people, who now live all over the world, are an ethnic group traditionally from Tamil Nadu, India, and Northeastern Sri Lanka. The Tamil language itself is the language that the Goundars have embraced and adopted so strongly that it is the only language permitted during their wedding ceremonies. Goundars also embrace the idea of feeding Tamil scholars and worshipping demi-gods as the ancient Tamil people did.
  
  

Kshatriya Caste Customs

• The Kshatriya caste in India includes those who are kings and soldier warriors. Many of the marriage customs are derived from this caste, as well as the Kootam/Gotra concept. In addition, Goundars have adopted from this castes the idea that handicapped children born to Goundars should be given to the Modavandis (those in a village within Tamil Nadu) to elminiate weak genes.
  
  

Jain Religion Customs

• Jain is an Indian religion that prescribes a path of non-violence. Many Goundars follow this religion. Some customs derived from this faith include eating before dark and cooking meat only outside of the home. There is also a preference for white dress, particularly for widows.