Suvarna Bari in Billava caste

Suvarna Bari in Billava caste

The Billava (also spelled Bilava or Billav) clan is a prominent community found primarily in the coastal regions of Karnataka, India, and parts of Kerala. The Billavas are traditionally known for their involvement in various occupations, including farming, fishing, and craftsmanship, and they have a rich cultural and social structure. Here's an overview of the Billava clan system

Suvarna Bari is one of the Baris (lineages/clans) among the Billava community of Tulu Nadu.

• In the Billava clan system, each Bari functions like a gotra.

• It is maternally inherited (since the Tuluva communities traditionally followed Aliya Santana – matrilineal lineage).

• People belonging to the same Bari, including Suvarna Bari, are considered as brother–sister relations and cannot marry each other.

• The name "Suvarna" literally means gold in Sanskrit/Kannada/Tulu, and like other Bari names, it likely has symbolic or totemic significance.

Example:

If someone is from Suvarna Bari, their children will also inherit the Suvarna Bari from the mother. For marriage, they must choose a partner from another Bari, like Bangera Bari, Kotyan Bari, Salyan Bari, Karkera Bari Nandara Bari, Kanchila Bari, etc.

Do you want me to share a complete list of Baris in the Billava community (including Suvarna Bari), so you can see where it fits among the others?

Historical and Cultural Background

• Origin: The Billavas are believed to have originated as a community of warriors or hunters, and over time, they transitioned into various other roles, including those in agriculture and trade.

• Religion: Traditionally, the Billavas follow Hinduism, with a strong devotion to the local deities and village gods, such as Muthappan, Brahmashri, and Sri Krishna.

• Social System: The Billavas, like many other communities in India, have historically been organized in a hierarchical manner, although in modern times the clan system is less rigid. They have been classified as part of the Other Backward Classes (OBC) in many regions of India, a classification that helps in their access to certain government benefits.

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. 

In the Billava community, marriage rules are strongly guided by the Bari system (clan/lineage system). Here’s how it works:

🔹 Basic Rule

• Same Bari marriage is strictly prohibited.

  • Example: A boy from Suvarna Bari cannot marry a girl from Suvarna Bari

  • Example 2: A boy from Bangera Bari cannot marry a girl from Bangera  Bari.

  • Example 3: A Girl from Kotyan Bari cannot marry a Boy from Kotyan  Bari.

• This is because all people of the same Bari are considered as brothers and sisters, since Bari is inherited from the mother’s side (matrilineal system, called Aliya Santana in Tulu tradition).

🔹 How Bari Works in Marriage

• Marriage must take place between different Baris.

• Before fixing a marriage, families verify the Bari compatibility to ensure they belong to different clans.

• Even today, in most traditional Billava families, Bari is given equal or more importance than horoscope matching.

🔹 Example

• Groom: Suvarna Bari

• Bride: Bangera Bari ✅ (allowed)

• Bride: Suvarna Bari ❌ (not allowed)

🔹 Example 2

• Groom: Karkera Bari

• Bride: Bangera Bari ✅ (allowed)

• Bride: Suvarna Bari ✅ (allowed)

• Bride: karkera Bari ❌ (not allowed)

Example 3

• Groom: Anchan Bari

• Bride: karkera Bari ✅ (allowed)

• Bride: Bangera Bari ✅ (allowed)

• Bride: Suvarna Bari ✅ (allowed)

• Bride: Anchan Bari ❌ (not allowed)

🔹 Cultural Significance

• This rule maintains exogamy (marriage outside the clan).

• It strengthens social unity by creating alliances between different Baris within the Billava community.

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/caste. There are several baris among the Billava (click here for Billava (Poojary) baries. Generally, the marriage is performed in the boy's place. A shed would be constructed in front of the house. He would place two chairs for the bride and the bridegroom to sit. After tying the 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.