House warming !

The social fabric of Kerala is well knit and strong. Here is a house warming ceremony I attended in Truchur district of a Catholic family. The priest blessed the house, followed by palu kachal (Palu - milk, Kachal - boiling boiling milk - the maiden cooking in the new kitchen, which symbolises the inauguration of the house). Friends, neighbours, relatives and workers who built the house brick by brick are invited. The palu kachal is followed by some drinks (of course alcohol. In most of the christian homes of Kerala, during all happy occassions, alcohol is served) and then lunch (non vegetarian). The invitees gives gifts to the owners of the house (not mandatory). The workers who constructed the house are honoured with special gifts by the owner of the house. It is a great occassion of celebration.