Arranging a marriage in india - Essay Example

Marriage in India In the Indian culture, marriage is not only a symbol of union between two, but also the coming together of both the families, the extended family inclusive. The arrangement of marriage in India is in such a way that the family of the boy or the girl has to come to the realization that their child is of age to get married. A relative such as the parents, an aunt or elder sister initiates the conversation. Alternatively, the person intending to get married approaches the parents and announces the intentions to get married.

If the boy or the girl has an identified lover, then the aunt (matchmaker) has the responsibility of presiding over the whole process. In the event, that either of the partners has not identified their partners then the matchmaker plays a central role in the identification. In this case, the matchmaker must be an elderly who is conversant with many families, as well as the surrounding society (Fenton 193).The caste system in India plays a great role. Marriage happens between couples of the same caste.

Moreover, the persons intending to get married must be of the same religion. The other factors that determine marriage between couples are horoscope, status, and in some instances physical appearance. The use of horoscope is vital as it is perceived to determine the likely success of the marriage. Those whose statuses are high in terms of finance, social or profession (especially the boys) are highly valued in the marriage process. Unlike many communities (around the world), In India, the dowry payment is usually remitted by the bride to the prospective groom.

Before the wedding, an engagement celebration is initiated where the two families perform traditional rituals to make the engagement official. The wedding is usually held at the bride’s home hence it is the bride family that receives the groom (Fenton 193).Works Cited:Fenton, Elizabeth. The Journal of Mrs Fenton: A Narrative of Her Life in India, the Isle of France (mauritius) and Tasmania During the Years 1826-1830. Cambridge Univ Pr, 2010. Print.