VHP to Break Caste Barriers in Keralam, Promote Horoscope-Free Weddings

According to the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) in Keralam. The organization is taking steps to address the dwindling birth rate among Hindus in the state. The decision was made at a state meeting held in Kochi.

There, officials found that caste barriers and incompatible horoscopes have shattered the marriage dreams of several youths. This finding is part of a broader trend. As the practice of looking at jathaka porutham (horoscope matching) prevails among Hindus in Keralam, with marriage dreams of scores of youths being shattered for want of this compatibility.

State government data shows that the total number of births registered in Keralam in 2021 was 344,766. With births to Hindu mothers accounting for 39 per cent of all registered births. VHP state general secretary Advocate Anil Vilayil attributed the declining birth rate to delayed marriages caused by caste barriers and incompatibility in horoscopes.

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This trend is particularly pronounced among young people, who are struggling to find compatible partners within their own communities.

To address this issue, Vilayil's organization has launched an initiative aimed at fostering inter-caste marriages, encouraging upper-caste Hindu youths to consider brides from lower-caste backgrounds and vice versa. The VHP will soon introduce an online platform to promote such marriages and help youths find partners belonging to different Hindu castes. Providing opportunities for marriages without considering horoscope compatibility.

As part of its ongoing efforts to revitalize temple attendance, the VHP has taken a significant step forward by introducing a long-held tradition: men's right to enter temples wearing upper garments. This shift has been met with resistance in several temples across Keralam. There, it has been seen as a challenge to the status quo.

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The VHP sees this change as a vital move to reconnect the younger generation with the spiritual heritage of Hinduism. A goal that was endorsed by a gathering of Hindu clerics in Thrissur last year. Vilayil's advocacy for reform is part of a broader push to modernize temple practices and make them more inclusive.

The decision to promote inter-caste marriages and allow men to enter temples wearing upper garments is seen as a step towards addressing the dwindling birth rate among Hindus in Keralam. By fostering greater unity and inclusivity within the Hindu community. The VHP hopes to encourage more young people to get married and start families.

As the organization continues to work towards these goals, it remains to be seen whether these efforts will be successful in reversing the declining birth rate and bringing greater unity to the community.