A Sociological Analysis of the Intact Preservation of Marriage practices among Kerala Roman Catholic Migrants in Mumbai: A case study of Tilak Nagar, Chembur

Abstract

The history of mankind is the history of migration and the history of humanity teaches us that human mobility is a universal phenomenon of all ages. The Bible is basically the history of man on the move. It was hunger that first forced the Hebrews to migrate to Egypt. (Gen 12:10). The prime reason for migration of Kerala Catholics to Mumbai was for employment purpose. Once the basic need of human being is met, the inner search begins for quenching the spiritual thrust. Rather, even in the search for basic needs of the body, divine intervention is sought. This phenomenon existed in the history of humanity from time immemorial. Indian cities have witnessed increasing presence of migrant Christians. Kerala Catholic Migrants for generations have been observing many spiritual, theological, liturgical and disciplinary traditions which are very interesting to know such as marriage, child birth and naming ceremony, house blessings, death rituals etc. The church has been closely involved and has pondered over the demands of the migrants. Migration invites special pastoral care in the field of ritual, liturgical, cultural and social fields. The church is instrumental among the migrants for the promotion of human identity and universal communion. The researcher will present a paper on the steps involved in marriage rituals among migrant Kerala Catholics in Mumbai by highlighting some of the practices observed in the history and preserved intact related to marriage such as fixing of marriage, engagement, crowning ceremony etc. with a special reference to Kerala Catholic of Tilak Nagar, Chembur, Mumbai. The findings of the researcher will be useful to know that there are certain common elements present in both Hindu and Catholic marriages among Keralites, India.