Marriage business

Our dhobi who comes regularly on all days of the week except the day agreed and decided upon by both of us, is these days never to be seen. So much so, the other day Fr Maliekal when on his walk, happened to run into him, caught him and got him to the Seminary to meet me and stand explanation as to why he was missing in action for so long. He had only one sheepish reply, "Pelli season Brother!" (Marriage season, Brother!).  I asked him what connection is there between marriage and his profession. I was told that one of the most highly paid person for the marriage function is the washerman.  I'm still to get the full and real details, but he himself told me that he gets anywhere between Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000 for one wedding function.  And if you're thinking that he is working or washing clothes, you're wrong! That is his remuneration for attending the wedding!!!!

From all that I've gathered so far about this and other aspects related to marriages in rural India, especially in this part of the state, one thing is sure:  everyone gains, except for one family. No prize for guessing which one, though!  They lose their life savings, their future prospects, financial backing, land, property, ornaments and what's more, their beloved daughter too. And is there anything they gain? Oh yes! Debts (with heavy interests for long duration) and loose talk of the villagers about some minor want in the celebrations (yeah, that one is free, for certain!).