A Jaanavasam car, all decorated and nowhere to go.— Photo: Special Arrangement
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A shy bridegroom sits uncomfortably in his seat, as he is taken around the locality in a red Jaanavasam (pre-marriage ritual in Tamil weddings) open car, flanked by women carrying plates full of gifts and fruits, men carrying gas lights and children sharing the seat with him.
This was a scene common during marriages till a decade ago. Jaanavasam is a South Indian version of a North Indian wedding’s Baaraath where the groom is taken in an open car or horse around the marriage venue.
This was mainly to announce the marriage and also to find out from the community if there were any objections to the marriage.
Now the custom is rarely followed and hence the red car is not seen in marriage processions often. “Now people have engagement and a reception on the marriage eve. Most people prefer travelling in top-end sedans with floral decorations on it,” says G. Babu of Mandavelli, who helps wedding planners rent such vehicles.
Modified cars
G. Vinod, who has been in the business of renting out the red cars for the past 25 years, says the business is no longer flourishing as it is used to earlier. “Herald, Contessa, Dolphin, Fiat and Maruti are some of the cars that are modified into jaanavasam cars,” he says.
“However there are still a few traditional families, who rent our cars,” he adds.
The rent for these cars varies from Rs. 3,500 to Rs. 10,000. “Now we modify cars such as Cielo and they come at a higher price,” Mr. Babu says. He says that people now use such vehicles for temple processions and for religious leaders to go around blessing devotees.
People like Babu are also following alternative occupations. “There is not much revenue. Many people who were in this business have shut down,” he adds.