Debutante

Published on 1st November, 2015, in Mid-day. In many parts of Tamil Nadu, when a girl gets her periods, there are elaborate rituals, which culminate in a grand feast where the girl is bathed in turmeric, dressed as a bride and presented to the village and the larger community. Thus, very publicly, it is declared the girl has now matured and is ready to receive a husband. In ancient times, this was the start of the swayam-vara ceremonies, after which eligible grooms presented themselves and the girl chose one. Later, she was simply given away by her father to a suitable groom – one who ..