INTERCOURSE BEFORE MARRIAGE- (BIDU DHARE)- BILLAVA CUSTOMS

If a man has intercourse with a woman, and she becomes pregnant, he has to marry her to the 'bidu dhare' rite. Before the marriage ceremony is performed, he has to grasp a plantain tree with his right hand, and the tree is then cut down.

BILLAVA MARRIAGE CUSTOMS AND CEREMONIES

BILLAVA MARRIAGE CUSTOMS AND CEREMONIES

A few days before the wedding the maternal uncle of the bride or the 'Gurkara' ties a jewel on her neck, and a pandal is erected, and decorated by the caste washerman (madival) with clothes of different colours. If the Bridegroom is an adult, the bride has to undergo a purificatory ceremony a day or two before marriage (dhara) day. A few women, usually near of the girl, go to a tank, pond or well near a bhutasthana or garadi, and bring water thence in earthenware pots. The water is poured over the head of the girl, and she bathes. On the wedding day, the bride and bridegroom are seated on two planks placed on the dais. The Barber arranges the various articles, such as lights, rice, flowers, betel leaves and arecanuts, and a vessel filled with water, all of which are required for the ceremonial. He Joins the hands of the contracting couple, and their parents, or the headman, places the nose-screw of the bride on their hands, and pour the dhare water over them. This is the binding part of the ceremony which is called kai (hand) Dhare. 

Pre-Wedding Ceremonies:


1. Nishchayam: Engagement ceremony where the bride and groom exchange rings.
2. Kashi Yatra: Groom's procession to the bride's house, symbolizing his journey to Kashi.
3. Ganapathi Pooja: Prayer ceremony to Lord Ganesha for a smooth wedding.
4. Sathyanarayana Pooja
5. Madhurangi Shashtra(Mehandi)

Wedding Day Ceremonies:


1. Muhurtham: Auspicious time for the wedding, determined by astrologers.
2. Gauri Pooja: Prayer ceremony to Goddess Gauri for the bride's well-being.
3. Kanyadan: Bride's father gifts his daughter to the groom.
4. Panigrahanam: Groom takes the bride's hand, symbolizing union.
5. Saptapadi: Seven steps together, representing seven vows.
6. Mangalya Dharanam: Groom ties the mangalsutra around the bride's neck.
7. Aarti: Bride's brother performs aarti to welcome the groom.

Post-Wedding Ceremonies:


1. Grihapravesh: Bride enters her new home with her husband.
2. Moohoortha: Bride's first visit to her parental home after marriage.
3. Okuli: Bride's brother visits her at her new home.

Unique Customs:


1. Billava Samskara: Community-specific rituals and prayers.
2. Tulasi Vivah: Marriage ceremony between the bride and tulasi plant.
3. Kola Nivedana: Offering prayers to ancestors.

Traditional Attire:


1. Bride: Saree, blouse, and jewelry, including the Billava community's signature "Kasithari" necklace.
2. Groom: Dhoti, shirt, and angavastram (shawl).

Food and Drinks:


1. Traditional dishes: Rice, lentils, vegetables, and coconut-based curries.
2. Fruits and sweets: Coconut, banana, Jilebi, Holige and traditional Billava sweets.


BILLAVA MARRY UNCLE'S DAUGHTER

A billava does not marry his sisters daughter, or mothers sisters daughter. He can marry his maternal uncle's or  paternal aunt's daughter. Two sisters can be taken in marriage simultaneously or at different times. Two brothers can marry two sisters.

BILLAVA (POOJARY) MARRIAGE ENGAGEMENT

An engagement is a promise to marry, and also the period of time between proposal and marriage – which may be lengthy or trivial. During this period, a couple is said to be affianced, betrothed, engaged to be married, or simply engaged. In billava community, engagement is not compulsory and some one not interested in wasting money by calling relatives and friends to engagement ceremony. In most of the marriages in dakshina kannada they keep engagement program one day before marriage , but some one directly go for marriage,  The duration of the courtship varies vastly. Long engagements were once common in formal arranged marriages. During the time of engagement ceremony both bride and bride groom present a ring.

BILLAVA MATRIMONIAL- LOOKING FOR BILLAVA PARTNER

If you are searching for Billava Hindu Brides or Billava Hindu Grooms then you have landed on the right page, you can find your billava life partner by registering in shaadi website.

BILLAVA MARRIAGE AND BARI SYSTEM


The billava community follows the endogamous and exogamous system of marriage, like any other Hindu community/castes, there are a number of baris among the Billava (click here for billava (poojary) baries , generally the marriage is performed in boy's place. A shed would be constructed in the front of the house. He would place two Chairs place for the bride and bridge grooms to sit. After tying mangalasutra the couples walk out Saptapadi.

The Billava community, predominantly found in Karnataka and Kerala, follows a unique marriage system known as the "Bari" system.

Bari System:


The Bari system is a traditional marriage arrangement where:

1. Bari: A group of families within the Billava community, sharing a common ancestry.
2. Exogamy: Marriage outside one's Bari is mandatory.
3. Endogamy: Marriage within the Billava community is preferred.

Types of Bari:


1. Patrilineal Bari: Descended from a common male ancestor.
2. Matrilineal Bari: Descended from a common female ancestor.

Marriage Customs:


1. Arranged Marriages: Parents or elders arrange marriages within the community.
2. Horoscope Matching: Astrological compatibility is considered.
3. Bari Compatibility: Ensuring the couple belongs to different Baris.

Importance of Bari System:


1. Social Harmony: Maintains social balance and unity within the community.
2. Family Ties: Strengthens family bonds and relationships.
3. Cultural Preservation: Preserves traditional customs and practices.

Impact of Modernization:


1. Decline of Bari System: Younger generations opting for love marriages or inter-caste marriages.
2. Changes in Family Structure: Nuclear families replacing joint families.
3. Increased Education: Exposure to modern values and customs.

Challenges:


1. Conservation of Tradition: Balancing modernization with cultural preservation.
2. Social Acceptance: Accepting inter-caste or love marriages.
3. Community Integration: Maintaining unity amidst changing social dynamics.

MEHANDI DESIGNS


Mehandi designs most used in billava mariiages