Anirudh Ravichander and Kavya Maran choose self-respect marriage in Greece: What it means

Music composer Anirudh Ravichander and Sunrisers Hyderabad co-owner Kavya Maran recently exchanged vows in a traditional Tamil self-respect marriage ceremony held in Greece. This choice of a non-priest-led, non-Vedic wedding ceremony marks a departure from conventional Hindu rituals and places an emphasis on dignity and equality. The couple's union, which took place on November 11, was a private affair attended by family members and notable figures, including stars Rajinikanth and MK Stalin.

The concept of a self-respect marriage, also known as Suyamariyathai Thirumanam, is rooted in the Self-Respect Movement founded by Periyar E V Ramasamy in Tamil Nadu in 1925. This movement aimed to challenge caste discrimination, social inequalities, and patriarchal customs by advocating for dignity and equality in marriage. Under the Self-Respect Movement, marriage did not necessitate elaborate religious ceremonies or a priest, as couples could declare their commitment in front of witnesses and exchange garlands, rings, or other symbols of marriage.

This practice gained legal acceptance in Tamil Nadu in 1967 through an amendment to the Hindu Marriage Act, which recognized such ceremonies under Section 7-A, provided the prescribed legal requirements were met.

Following Anirudh and Kavya's Greece wedding, a grand reception is planned in Chennai on November 21. The star-studded event is expected to see an array of prominent personalities from politics, cinema, and business, with a guest list that includes Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leaders, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Bollywood stars, and several others from the music and film industry.