A TOTAL of 120 people will take part in the Suyamvaram matchmaking event at Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple in Jalan Kebun Bunga, Penang, on Sunday.
The event, into its third consecutive year, will take place from 8.30am to 1pm.
Penang Hindu Association president Datuk P. Murugiah said the event was meant to address concerns over declining population and the low birth rate of ethnic Indians, specifically among Hindus in the country.
“The census report by the Statistics Department showed that the total population of ethnic Indians in Malaysia was only 5.9% as of January 2024.
“Out of this statistic, the population of Hindus is much lower.
“The association 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.
“In this context, 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 is 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,” he said in a statement.
Murugiah said 120 people had agreed to take part in the event this year.
He explained that Suyam-varam was historically a form of marriage, which had since evolved into a matchmaking process.
“It was a procedure practised in ancient India where a woman was given the freedom to choose her husband from a group of suitors.
“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, Suyam-varam has ceased to be associated with either a contest or a showcase of strength.
“Suyamvaram is now seen as a matchmaking process where opportunities are provided for marriage-minded individuals, both men and women, to meet for the purpose of marriage,” he explained.
Murugiah said that through the programme, there were six successful marriages with one couple blessed with a baby this year.
He said 13 more couples, who were matched through this programme, were at the final stages of discussion and preparation for marriage.
