nagaiyas provide support when normal kinsmen wouldn't be able to. for example, when a man consummates his marriage, he does not tell his kinsmen as to do so would be shameful (admitting that he is contaminated from sexual contact with a woman). however, he can freely tell his nagaiya without shame as his nagaiya are obligated to share the burden with him. additionally, when his wife first menstruates (as menstruation is thought to be dangerous to men), a man stops eating pork, rats, possums, and spinach-like vegetables until his wife gives birth to his first child (to protect himself). the nagaiyas share these diet restrictions in order to show their support.