Kongu Vellalar

Kongu Vellalar
Classification	Backward Class
Religions	Hinduism
Languages	Tamil (Kongu Tamil)
Country	India
Original state	Tamil Nadu
Populated states	major population in Tamil Nadu, minor populations in Puducherry, Karnataka, Kerala, United Kingdom and the United States
Region	Tamil Nadu
Related groups	Vellalar, Tamil people

Kongu Vellalars, sometimes referred to simply as Gounder, are a community from the western region of Tamil Nadu, which is known as Kongu Nadu. It also refers to the title or surname used by the Vellalar community from the region. Kongu Vellala Gounders were classified as a Forward Caste at the time of Indian independence but they successfully requested to be reclassified as a Backward Class in 1975. The Vellalars of Kongu region came to be known as Kongu Vellalar or Gounder, though both the names have also been treated separately in some regions.

The community plays a significant role in the political and economic life of the Kongu Nadu region. Among them are businessmen who figure among the global leaders in several industrial sectors.

The community has its own style of marriage ceremony. The ceremony is led by person called an Arumbukarar or Arumaikkarar. A long song composed by Kambar, called "Mangala valthu", is usually sung. In the wedding ceremony the brother of the bride and sister of the groom play significant roles.

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