7/15/11

Information On Indian Arranged Weddings

By Jayde Johannsen


Indian arranged weddings have been and still are a contentious subject. Many people have a negative view of this type of arrangement. Although most people in the West frown upon this custom, it is something that most of the young people in India do not have a problem with.

These events are generally arranged by both the boy's family and the girl's family. There are many factors that are taken into consideration when investigating compatibility of the pair concerned. Religion is important. It is preferred that they belong to the same religion and preferably to the same sect. The girl should be younger as well as shorter than the boy.

The man and the woman should both be satisfied with one another's looks. There are many families who prefer a fair-skinned female. Their home language should be the same. They should be from the same ethnic caste. Their dietary habits or any other habits like smoking or alcohol consumption has to be acceptable to both.

With regards to the education of the couple, it is acceptable that they have similar education levels. If not, the boy should have a higher level of education than the girl. If they are at an age where they already have their own careers, then their professions should be acceptable to both parties. The male's current financial situation as well as his future financial options should be acceptable to the female. There are instances where the families will have an astrological compatibility chart drawn up.

Certain families will discuss these expectations with their child before they start the search for a suitable match. The expectations will be shared with relatives and friends of the family who may offer suggestions. Once an agreement has been reached between the two sets of parents, relatives and friends from both sides will gather in order to give their blessing.

This is similar to a Western engagement and during this event the date for the wedding will be set. This date will be set for an astrologically auspicious day. The families will exchange fruit and clothing as a symbol of acceptance.

Indian people consider that an arranged marriage has to be based on commitment. This commitment without emotional feelings is present due to their acceptance of the situation. As the marriage grows, so the emotional feelings will become stronger and the commitment to each other will also grow. In the West, marriages are based on feelings that the two parties have for each other. If these feelings go away, there is the need to find these feelings elsewhere. This could possibly be the reason why Indians have such a low divorce rate compared to those in the West.




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