THE Penang Hindu Association (PHA) has turned to the Hindu matchmaking ritual of Suyamvaram in its quest to allay concerns over the declining population and the low birth rate of the ethnic Indians, especially among the Hindus, in Malaysia.
This came about as PHA president Datuk P. Murugiah pointed to the census report by the Department of Statistics Malaysia which showed that the total population of ethnic Indians in Malaysia was only 5.9% as of January 2024, out of the population of Hindus is much lower,
“PHA believes that one possible reason for the low population growth among Indians in Malaysia is the choice made to focus more on career development rather than marriage,” Murugiah highlighted in a media statement.
“By the time they reach their 30s or beyond, many realise that life isn’t complete without a spouse. However, at this stage of their lives, they find their age factor as a stumbling block to find a partner and to enter into marriage.
“Another possible reason is that some of the eligible bachelors do not have the time and resources to seek a life partner.”
From the PHA perspective, Suyamvaram is now seen as a matchmaking process where opportunities are provided for marriage minded individuals – both males and females – to meet for the purpose of marriage.
The ritual has its roots in a marriage procedure practiced in ancient India where a woman was given the freedom to choose between a group of suitors to be her husband.
The bride’s family would choose an auspicious day and time for the programme and then broadcast the news to the local community. A public ceremony or contest will then be held where the suitors will display their prowess to win over the bride.
In modern times, Suyamvaram has ceased to be associated with either a contest or a showcase of strength.
PHA has been collaborating with Penang’s Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple to organise this version of Suyamvaram for the past two years. Held for the third year in a row, this year’s programme will be held on Sept 22 (Sunday) at the Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple between 8.30am and 1pm.
The organisers see that this programme has been gaining popularity over the years judging from the increasing number of new applicants applying each year. For 2024, a total of 120 applicants have agreed to participate.
The application is open to adult Malaysian Hindus who are single, divorced (with or without children), widowers/widows (with or without children) as well as for single parents and physically challenged Hindus.
Over the years, this programme had proudly matchmade six successful marriages with one couple blessed with a baby this year. Additionally, there are 13 more couples matchmade through this programme who are at the final stages of discussion and preparation for marriage. – Sept 10, 2024
