DMK general secretary Duraimurugan has expressed regret over the Vedic rituals performed at his granddaughter’s wedding, saying he agreed to the ceremony because she wanted to marry according to traditional Vedic customs. The senior Tamil Nadu politician has also appealed to people not to politicise the family event, which has triggered criticism from leaders associated with the Dravidian movement.
The controversy centres on the wedding of Duraimurugan’s granddaughter, Senthamarai, and Deepak Ravi, the son of film producer Kannan Ravi. The marriage took place in Chennai on November 1, 2026, with priests conducting rituals accompanied by Sanskrit Vedic chants.
The ceremony has drawn attention because the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has historically championed rationalism, social equality and self-respect marriages, which generally reject priest-led religious rituals.
Duraimurugan Explains Why the Wedding Followed Vedic Customs
In a statement explaining his decision, Duraimurugan said his granddaughter had studied abroad and told him that she was in love with a man from another caste. She expressed her desire to marry him and informed the family that she wanted the wedding to be conducted according to Vedic traditions.
Duraimurugan said the marriage was performed in accordance with her wishes and that he felt compelled to respect her decision.
He also expressed regret over the controversy surrounding the ceremony and urged political leaders and others not to turn it into a subject of public debate.
The explanation comes after the wedding attracted criticism from sections of the Dravidian movement, with some questioning whether the ceremony was consistent with the ideological principles that the DMK has traditionally promoted.
Veeramani Questions DMK’s Commitment to Self-Respect Marriages
Dravidar Kazhagam president K Veeramani was among the prominent voices criticising the ceremony. He questioned the apparent contradiction between the use of Vedic rituals at the wedding and the movement’s longstanding commitment to rationalism and self-respect marriages.
Veeramani expressed disappointment that a senior DMK leader, who has been associated with the party for decades and holds its general secretary position, had allowed the ceremony to take place in this manner.
He also questioned the use of references to DMK leaders and Dravidian icons in connection with a wedding conducted through traditional priest-led rituals.
The criticism reflects a wider ideological debate within the Dravidian political tradition, which has historically opposed caste-based discrimination and promoted marriages that do not depend on religious ceremonies.
Why Self-Respect Marriages Matter to the Dravidian Movement
Self-respect marriages have long been associated with the social reform movement led by Periyar E V Ramasamy. These ceremonies were promoted as a way to challenge caste hierarchies, religious orthodoxy and the dominance of traditional marriage customs.
The DMK has continued to identify rationalism and social justice as central elements of its political philosophy. Such marriages are therefore viewed by many supporters of the movement as more than a personal or ceremonial choice; they also represent a commitment to its reformist ideals.
The wedding controversy has consequently prompted questions about how political leaders reconcile their public ideological positions with personal and family decisions.
High-Profile Guests Attend Chennai Wedding
Senthamarai’s wedding to Deepak Ravi attracted several prominent political and entertainment personalities. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, actors Dhanush and Sivakarthikeyan, and other guests from political and film circles attended the event.
The presence of senior figures added to public attention surrounding the ceremony after images and details of the Vedic rituals became a subject of discussion.
Duraimurugan’s explanation has clarified that the ceremony followed his granddaughter’s preference. However, his expression of regret has not ended the broader debate over the relationship between personal choice and the ideological commitments of political movements.
For the DMK, the episode highlights the continuing sensitivity surrounding its Dravidian and rationalist foundations. For Duraimurugan, the central argument remains that he respected his granddaughter’s wishes and does not want the family wedding to become a political controversy.
