Kerala’s wedding bills soar: ₹22,810 cr spent annually on marriages

Malappuram: A recent study has revealed a sharp increase in wedding-related expenses in Kerala. According to ‘Kerala Padhanam’, a survey conducted by the Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishad, the annual expenditure on weddings in the state has reached ₹22,810 crore. In comparison, the figure was ₹6,787 crore in 2004.

The study identifies weddings and unforeseen medical emergencies as the two major expenses that push families into debt, with weddings accounting for the larger share. Wedding costs now amount to nearly 8% of the total household income in the state.

Until 2004, tribal communities had relatively lower wedding expenses. However, the 2019 study found that wedding costs among these communities increased almost tenfold. Close behind were the forward Christian communities, who saw a more than sevenfold increase. Among Scheduled Castes (SC), expenses rose nearly fivefold. A major portion of the expenditure goes towards dowry and jewellery.

Interestingly, the study notes a decline in both giving and receiving dowry over this period. However, due to the steep rise in gold prices, the actual financial burden has not reduced remarkably. Forward Christian and Hindu communities top the list in terms of average wedding expenses.

The following are the average wedding expenses (in ₹) across different communities in 2004 and 2019:
 

The findings are based on a survey conducted by the Parishad in 2019 and published recently.