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CHIKKAMAGALURU: A common complaint of unmarried Brahmin youths of Malnad region is that local brides are unwilling to marry those who have settled down in their villages. Youths engaged in traditional occupations like priesthood and cooking are the unfortunate victims of this trend.

Strict rules followed by families engaged in these two occupations are often attributed as one of the reasons.

In a decision expected to lead to a debate and social churn, a priest from the district announced that he was quitting his priesthood as he is unmarried even at the age of 34. (His name is being withheld following his request).

He told TOI that he is now free to marry girls from other communities, and there is no pressure on him to follow rules and rituals of the occupation . He said he would start organic farming and set up a small industry for livelihood.

“When I first announced that I was quitting priesthood, people started asking why I had taken such a decision. I am now 34 and unmarried. Brahmin parents are not ready to give their daughters to youths who are priests, even if they have a house with all modern facilities, and good income. Priests are also discouraged from marrying brides from other communities due to strict rules. I have taken this decision with a lot of pain. But I feel this is the right move,” he said.

“I will start organic farming and a small industry. This will give me the option of marrying a bride from any community,” he said.

Sharanya Anchan, an activist from Chikkamagaluru, said this open statement by a priest should be an eye-opener for everyone. “In rural Malnad region, only one community is facing a bride shortage problem. Too many regulations, including dress and food code imposed on women, has boomeranged. Instead of adopting flexibility, the community is continuing with traditional practices which is making girls move out of rural areas to cities, especially to Bengaluru, where life is more flexible,” she said.

