Break caste, ditch horoscopes in weddings: VHP’s plan to boost Keralam Hindu birth rate
The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) in Kerala has introduced a plan to increase the Hindu birth rate by breaking caste barriers and avoiding the use of horoscopes in weddings. This was decided at a state meeting held in Kochi, following concerns over the declining marriage prospects of Hindu youths due to caste restrictions and incompatible horoscopes.
According to state government data, there were 344,766 births registered in Kerala in 2024, with 135,753 births to Hindu mothers, constituting 39% of all registered births in the state. Hindus make up 54% of Kerala's population. VHP state general secretary Advocate Anil Vilayil noted that the birth rate among Hindus in the state is declining, primarily due to delayed marriages caused by caste barriers and incompatibility in horoscopes of potential partners.
The VHP plans to promote inter-caste marriages and an online platform to facilitate such unions. Additionally, the organization intends to allow men to wear upper garments while entering temples, challenging the norms at certain temples in Kerala.
Written by urgent.news from The Indian Express's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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