“From Biriyani to Adiyanthiram: The Role of Marriage Feasts, Lavish Salkarams, and Birth-Death Rituals in Fostering Mappila Muslim Community Identity”

Abstract

The Mappila Muslim community of South Malabar, a region in North Kerala, has tightly integrated food practices into the fabric of its identity, reflecting a particular combination of Islamic values and indigenous Malabar traditions. This article, titled “From Biriyani to Adiyanthiram: The Role of Marriage Feasts, Lavish Salkarams, and Birth-Death Rituals in Fostering Mappila Muslim Community Identity” investigates how the mappila community ties and cultural identity in modern Kerala have been formed by culinary traditions like Salkarams (lavish feasts), marriage feasts, and rituals surrounding birth and death. Drawing from socio-cultural practices, these food traditions served as tools for social networking, promoting equality, and creating a sense of belonging. Although rooted in religious merit, such as providing feasts to friends, these practices expose conflicts with reformist Islamic ideals, highlighting a dynamic interactions between tradition and faith. This paper emphasizes the importance of food in the Mappila Muslim identity.