Shobha and Chandappa marry 30 years after their death

Dakshina Kannada: In a traditional wedding in Karnataka, Shobha and Chandappa got married 30 years after their death, a 'Pretha Kalyanam' or 'marriage of the dead', NDTV reports.

The 'Pretha Kalyanam' tradition is still followed in certain areas of Karnataka and Kerala. The ritual is performed for those who died during birth to honour the dead's spirit, as per belief.

It was YouTuber Anny Arun who shared Shobha-Chandappa with details. He tweeted, "I'm attending a marriage today. You might ask why it deserves a tweet. Well, the groom is dead, actually. And the bride is dead too. Like about 30 years ago. And their marriage is today," NDTV quotes.

The wedding looks formal as any ordinary wedding, but the bride and groom are effigies.

Arun said that the tradition is serious there. A child who died during birth is married to another child of the same fate. The customs of the marriage will be the same as routine marriages, like two families visiting each other's house for engagement, Arun tweeted.

In the tweet thread, he says the marriage also had a procession and "Saptapadi". However, children and unmarried people are not allowed to witness the wedding, Arun adds.

The marriage features an elaborate feast also, with dishes like fish fry, chicken sukka, Kadle Balyar, Mutton gravy with idly etc., Arun elaborates.