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- By A.S Jeevarathinam

We Adidravidars are the original natives or indigenous people of Dravida land. Our forefathers were proud inhabitants of our country from the beginning of time.

Our community name was coined by Tamil social activist Periyar Ramasami. Our castes include Paraiyar, Chakkili or Arunthathiyar, most of whom live in south India and speak one of the south Indian languages.

Ever since India's independence members of our caste were accorded several allowances and concessions. Members of our community have witnessed growth over the centuries.Today members of our brethren stand as shining stars in various fields. We also have many distinguished jurists, educationists, scientists, engineers, politicians, doctors, philosophers, poets, and scholars as part of our large family.

Urbanization has been a boon to members of our community although many still remain in their native lands and prefer their ancestral professions. Today, discrimination on the basis of caste is outlawed. We are currently entitled to certain rights and preferential treatment.

Did you know?

Post the Sangam period (300 A.D to 600 A.D); our forefathers were known to have held a privileged position in the society and were respected. Our forefathers were traditionally farmers and weavers and one sub-group Valluvan was renowned magicians and astrologers. Many were also employed as advisers to kings.

Wedding Rituals:

Betrothal Ceremony: In this, the girl's family sends a silver bowl full of rice, supari and turmeric powder and envelope containing cash, as recognition of their acceptance of the marriage proposal.

Engagement: During this ceremony, the groom's family visits the house of the bride with gifts, jewellery and dresses for the bride. The would-be mother-in-law of the bride also applies red tikka on her forehead and places all the gift items on her lap.

Wedding procession: Takes the groom to the bride's house. At the entrance of the venue, the groom's family is warmly received by the bride's family, after which the bride comes into the wedding hall and the exchange of garlands takes place. After this the couple are taken to the mandap, where the actual wedding ceremony takes place, with the priest reciting the spiritual prayers.

Kanyadan: This is the ceremony during which the bride is handed over to the groom as his life partner by the bride's father.