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Essay on marriages in india: types, rules and other details.

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Essay on Marriages in India: Types, Rules and Other Details!

Right at the outset, we have stated that kinship marriage and family are inextricably interwoven with each other. In our discussion on kinship we have in fact discussed about marriage and family. In almost all societies marriage is an institutionalised social relationship of crucial significance.

It is generally associated with a number of other important social relationships. There are different types of marital unions. These have implications for population composition, property relations, inheritance, etc. Further, there are various regulations and prohibitions associated with marriage and sexual relations.

Marriage is more than simply a legalised sexual union between a man and woman; it is socially acknowledged and approved relationship. In India, people generally believe that marriage is not between two individuals, but it is between two families in terms of bonds that it creates between them. It is also a sacrament, certainly marriage provides recognition or legitimacy to children; it confers acknowledged social status on the off-springs, and this is important in terms of inheritance and succession.

Types of Marriage:

There are two broad types of marriage, namely, monogamy and polygamy. Monogamy refers to marriage of one man with one woman, and this is in general the ideal form of marriage. Polygamy refers to both polygyny and polyandry. The former refers to marriage of more than one woman to one man, and the latter is marriage of one woman with more than one man. There is also sororal polygyny under which a man is married to two sisters. On the contrary, under adelphic polyandry a woman is married to two brothers.

Besides these types, there are also institutions of levirate and sororate marriages. Under levirate a man marries his deceased brother’s wife even if he is already married or when he has become a widower. In most societies junior levirate is preferred. Such a system is prevalent in the societies in which unihneal descent in the male line is found as the central principle of social organisation. Levirate is also known as Nata or Nantra, that is, binding by widow remarriage. Sororate refers to marriage of a widowed man with his deceased wife’s unmarried younger sister.

This is enacted to ensure continuity of social ties between two families. Levirate is practised in northern India among intermediate and lower castes and commu­nities, but it is forbidden among the upper castes. Some castes believe this as a socially degrading institution, and prefer widowhood for their daughters and daughters-in-law imitating notion of purity from the dwij castes. However, sororate is preferred even by the upper castes as it involves only the widowers and not the widows. Thus, marriage is always seen in terms of prescriptions, preferences and proscriptions and taboos.

Rules of Marriage and Mate Selection:

K.M. Kapadia’s study (1964) of marriage and family in India continues to be an important source for the understanding of these two most vital institutions of India’s social structure. According to Kapadia, the question of selection in marriage may be considered from three points of view, namely, the field of selection, the party to selection, and the criteria of selection. Preferential code, prohib­iting restrictions, endogamy and exogamy explain the field, the party and the criteria in selection of mates for marital alliance.

Besides these rules which limit the field of selection in marriage, caste exercises a tremendous control over its members by imposing penalties and ostracization of the defaulting members. With a view to grant freedom to a person in selection of the marriage partner outside one’s caste, the Special Marriage Act was passed in 1872. The Act was amended in 1923 to make it more effective. Subse­quently, various Acts were passed in 1938, 1946 and 1949 with a view to widen the scope of selection of mates. Despite these legal enactments, exclusivity of caste groups remains a hard fact even today.

The endogamous character of caste persists despite new economic, emotional and psychological functions acquired by the caste in post-independence India. However, in some quarters, inter-caste marriages have received encouragement due to occupa­tional mobility, migration, education and common place of work for both men and women in offices and factories.

The Hindu Marriage Act of 1955 defines the degrees of prohibited relationships, which completely ignore rules of caste endogamy and clan exogamy. However, the local customs of various communities related to marriage among cross-cousins have been held valid.

Among Muslims, for example, marriage with a father’s brother’s daughter is more or less preferred. At the same time, Muslims also recognise endogamous rules. The Sunnis and the Shias do not inter-marry. Further, the sub-groups, such as Saiyed, Shaikh, Mughal, Pathan, etc., marry within their own communities. Dowry and social prestige of a family are other important considerations in marriage alliance.

The most common belief even today is that the father should marry off his daughter while she is still nagnika (literally naked), the age before attaining puberty. Certainly, such a belief has resulted into child marriage, and pre-puberty marriage was considered pious, and it became a part of Brahmanical cultural ethos. Virginity of a girl became the central concern of both sides. Pre-puberty marriage thus received elitist acclaim and social honour. Another contributory factor, as observed by K.M. Kapadia, is the theory of samskara.

The whole life of both man and woman is full of samskara, beginning from pregnancy till death. A good number of these rites refer to purification and a girl prior to attainment of puberty is considered pious and worthy of marriage.

The social ideal of monogamy also contributed to early marriage. Hypergamy was no less a factor favouring child marriage. The lower castes have not been quite seriously concerned about notion of pre-menstruation, yet they have imitated the ideal of child marriage from the upper castes considering it as a Sanskritic act and indicator of social prestige. Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar and Malabari all saw infant marriages not only bad but also opined that it led to the wretchedness of widowhood.

Today, age at marriage has gone up. It is realised that pre-puberty marriage is harmful on health grounds and also results into higher rate of widowhood. Education and employment are considered more or less as valuable for girls as for boys. Hypergamy and concomitant constrain of dowry also contribute to increase in age at marriage. Girls themselves have been coming forward in selection of their mates. Thus, change in the outlook, values, and increased awakening as cultural factors, and education, occupation, migration and dowry as structural factors, have all contributed to higher age at marriage.

Family cycle and marriage are closely related to each other. Birth of the first child marks the second stage in the cycle, and death and formal partition of family property and assets are other important events. In an Indian family, marriages of the children are significant as they indicate status of the two families. David G. Mandelbaum (1970) observes: “A marriage mobilizes the family’s social sources. Through marriage the members renew kin ties or establish new bonds of kinship.” Giving gifts, performing services and just participation in marriage explain structural aspect of marriage in terms of both kin alliances and networks with non-kin. Today, in middle class families, it is quite common to get biodata of the girl in particular.

The following example can help explain the status of the girl’s family:

Name: Rani Gupta Age: 22 years

Height: 155 cms, weight 45 kg, slim but sound health, very fair complexion and beautiful, brilliant, well-versed in household work, including cooking, sewing, embroidery, progressive outlook. Throughout first division with M.A. in Economics, doing Ph.D. Match preferred from the same community, but caste no bar for persons of high status.

Family background: Father leading advocate, elder brother executive engineer, two sisters married and working as doctors, sons-in-law also reputed professionals. Own house in the town, decent marriage.

Thus, in marriage alliance, a family’s status is tested, and all possible efforts are made particularly by the girl’s family to come upto the expectations of the boy’s family, kinsmen, neighbours and friends. Certainly, a family’s status goes up, if it is able to have marriage alliance with a family of high repute in the region.

Hindu Marriage as a Sacrament:

Considering these factors can we say that Hindu marriage is a sacrament? The aims of Hindu marriage are said to be dharma (duty), praja (progeny) and rati (pleasure). Sex is given third place in regard to the functions of marriage. Dharma is the first and the highest aim of marriage. Procreation is given the second place. Marriage also aims at begetting a son to save the father from going to hell. A son is required to offer pinda (offering) to his father on his death. On marriage the sacred fire is enkindled to offer Panchamahayagyas. A man with his wife is supposed to offer puja throughout his life. Thus, marriage is primarily for the fulfilment of duties of his dharma.

Kapadia (1964) points out that performance of homa, or offering in the sacred fire, panigrahana, or taking the hand of the bride, and saptapadi, or the bride and the bridegroom going seven steps together – are important rites for completion of a marriage. All these rites are performed with Vedic mantras in the presence of the Sicred fire. Thus, Hindu marriage is a sacrament because it is said to be completed only on the performance of the sacred rites and the sacred formulae.

Hindu marriage is a sacrament in another sense because marriage is considered essential for woman and she is required to perform rites with her husband throughout her life. Hindu marriage is sacred because it is irrevocable as the parties to the marriage cannot dissolve it at will. Since marriage is considered indissoluble, the husband and wife try to adjust their tastes and temper, ideals and interests, by making sacrifices for each other. Hindu marriage is not an ordinary event, it is an institution of life-long compromise and adjustment.

Marriage is also a social duty towards the family and the community, and as such there is little individual interest. Husband and wife are not individual persons, but they are part of extended family and caste (community). However, the husband and wife have never been equal in regard to their obligations and privileges. The wife is required to follow the ideal of pativratya devoted to her husband alone. The institution of sati (self-immolation after husband’s death) has received encouragement and widow remar­riage gets discouraged.

Today, the situation has undergone sea-change. The Hindu Marriage Act of 1955, socio-cultural awakening, education and urban employment, etc., have weakened the sacred ethos of Hindu marriage. Divorce is becoming quite acceptable. The incidence of widow remarriage has also increased. Rules of marriage are not adhered due to inter-caste and inter-religious marriages. Feminism has also created feelings of equality among women with men. Women are claiming status equal to men. Despite these changes, religiosity remains attached to marriage to a large extent, particu­larly in the villages.

Marriage among Muslims:

It is said that marriage among Muslims is more of a contract rather than a sacrament like Hindus.

There are two types of marriage among Muslims:

(1) Nikah, and

Under the nikah marriage, a woman comes to live with her husband and the children belong to her husband’s clan. Divorce becomes the sole privilege of the husband in Islam, woman can also seek separation (‘Khula’) from her husband.

Muta is a separation brought about by the mutual consent of the parties concerned. The contract is stipulated for a specific period, and woman has no right to divorce her husband during the period of the contract. The nikah marriage is certainly a preferred one. There are no elaborate rituals attached to Muslim marriage as we find in the case of Hindu marriage.

Islam disapproves of muta considering it an anachronism as it amounts to greater freedom for a woman in her personal life. Muta also contributes to instability of marriage. Kapadia (1964) writes: “it (Muslim marriage) was a contract which took place in the presence of a wali, often with his consent, and attested by two witnesses. Muta marriage, being a personal contract, required neither a wali nor a witness.

Islam gives the right of divorce only to the male, and this is taken as a part of the Personal Law. Marriage among Muslims is contracted by paying mahr, bride-price. It is paid to the wife. Mahr clearly symbolises control of the husband over his wife, and his right to talaq (divorce).” Muslim women are longing for equality with their men folk due to their education and economic independence. The orthodox Muslim clergy is being challenged by the young educated Muslims.

It is not quite easy for a Muslim male today to abandon or divorce his wife in a whimsical way as he used to do. There is greater emphasis today on stability of marriage and equality of the sexes than before. Patriarchy of the husband and other male members in Muslim society has become a controversial issue. Many women are questioning their hegemony and control over them. Equality with men and woman as a person are the demands of the day among Muslim women.

Related Articles:

  • Difference between Hindu & Muslim Marriages
  • Rules of Mate Selection in Hindu Marriages – Essay

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Essay on Marriage in India

Students are often asked to write an essay on Marriage in India in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Marriage in India

Introduction.

Marriage in India is a grand affair, celebrated with much enthusiasm. It is not just a union of two individuals, but also a bond between two families.

Traditions and Rituals

Indian marriages are filled with numerous traditions and rituals. These include pre-wedding ceremonies like Mehendi and Sangeet, the main wedding ceremony, and post-wedding rituals.

Diversity in Marriages

There are diverse marriage customs in India, reflecting its multicultural society. Each community has its unique rites, rituals, and traditions related to marriage.

Marriages in India are vibrant, filled with joy, and deeply rooted in tradition. They epitomize the rich cultural heritage of the country.

250 Words Essay on Marriage in India

Marriage in India is not just a union of two individuals, but a bond between two families. It is a traditional ceremony deeply rooted in the social, religious, and cultural fabric of Indian society.

The Significance of Marriage

Indian marriages are characterized by a plethora of rituals and customs, which vary across regions, religions, and communities. These rituals symbolize the sanctity of marriage, emphasizing the commitment, fidelity, and mutual growth of the couple.

Arranged Marriages: A Common Practice

Arranged marriages are prevalent in India, where parents and elders take the lead in choosing a life partner for their children. This tradition stems from the belief in the wisdom of elders and their ability to make the best decision, taking into account factors like social status, economic stability, and horoscope compatibility.

Modern Shifts in Perception

However, the modern era has witnessed a shift in this perception. Young Indians are increasingly opting for love marriages, seeking compatibility, shared interests, and emotional connection over traditional considerations. This shift has led to a gradual transformation of the societal norms surrounding marriage in India.

Despite the changing dynamics, the essence of marriage in India remains the same – a sacred, lifelong commitment. It continues to be a significant social institution, a rite of passage, and an integral part of an individual’s life journey. As India continues to modernize, the concept of marriage too will evolve, reflecting the changing values and aspirations of its people.

500 Words Essay on Marriage in India

Marriage in India is a grand affair, steeped in tradition and cultural significance. It is not merely a union of two individuals but rather the coming together of two families, reflecting a rich tapestry of rituals, celebrations, and customs. This essay explores the concept of marriage in India, its cultural diversity, and the evolving trends in the 21st century.

The Cultural Diversity of Indian Marriages

India, known for its cultural diversity, hosts a myriad of marriage customs, each unique to its regional and religious context. Hindu marriages, for instance, involve a series of rites like Kanyadaan, Panigrahana, and Saptapadi. Muslim weddings, on the other hand, are characterized by the Nikah ceremony, while Christian weddings follow the biblical traditions of exchanging vows and rings.

In addition to these religious customs, regional practices also play a significant role. For instance, Bengali weddings feature the ‘Shubho Drishti’ ritual, where the bride and groom exchange glances, while Punjabi weddings are known for their lively ‘Sangeet’ ceremony.

Societal Implications

Marriages in India have significant societal implications. They are often seen as a means of establishing social status and economic alliances. The practice of dowry, although illegal, still persists in some parts of the country, reflecting deep-seated patriarchal norms. Similarly, the preference for arranged marriages over love marriages underscores the importance of familial and societal approval in personal matters.

Evolution of Marriage Practices in Modern Times

With the advent of the 21st century, Indian marriages have started to evolve, reflecting changing societal norms and values. There is a growing acceptance of inter-caste and inter-religious marriages, indicating a shift towards individual choice and away from traditional norms. The concept of ‘self-arranged marriages’ or ‘semi-arranged marriages’ is also gaining traction, where individuals play a significant role in choosing their partners, albeit within the framework of an arranged setup.

The rise of matrimonial websites and dating apps has further revolutionized the Indian marriage scene, making partner search a more individualistic and personalized process. However, these changes coexist with traditional practices, creating a unique blend of old and new.

In conclusion, marriage in India is a complex institution, deeply rooted in tradition and societal norms. While it continues to uphold the cultural diversity of the country, it is also evolving to accommodate the changing aspirations and values of the modern Indian society. The future of Indian marriages promises to be a fascinating interplay of tradition and modernity, continuity and change.

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Home » Society » Salient features of Indian Society » Features of Indian Society » Religious Pluralism » Marriage

Marriage is an important social institution. It is a relationship, which is socially approved and sanctioned by custom and law. It is also a set of cultural mechanisms which ensure the continuation of the family. It is more or less a universal social institution in India.

Structural and functional changes in the marriage system

The marriage system had undergone radical changes especially after independence. Even though the basic religious beliefs associated with marriage have not crumbled down, many of the practices, customs, and forms have changed. The recent changes in the marriage system are as follows:

  • Changes in the aim and purpose of marriage: In traditional societies the primary objective of marriage is ‘dharma’ or duty; especially among But today the modern objective of marriage is more related to ‘life-long companionship’ between husband and wife.
  • Changes in the form of marriage: Traditional forms of marriages like polygamy, polygyny are legally prohibited in India. Nowadays, mostly monogamous marriages are practiced.
  • Change in the age of marriage: According to legal standards, the marriageable age for boy and girl stands at 21 and 18 respectively. Average age of marriage has gone up and pre-puberty marriages have given place to post-puberty
  • Increase in divorce and desertion rates: Relaxed legislative provisions for divorce have virtually affected the stability of the marriage, particularly in the urban . It is mainly due to economic prosperity and internet connectivity. Internet has exposed people to the different social trends prevalent across the world and has revolutionized the institution in an otherwise conservative Indian society.
  • Live in relationships: They are on a steady growth rate in India especially among the youth in metropolitan cities. The institution also has legal recognition as a three judge bench of SC in 2010 observed that a man and a woman living together without marriage cannot be construed as an offence and held that living together is a Right to Life and Liberty (Article 21). SC has also acknowledged that children born out of such relations are legitimate and have property rights of their parents under Section 16 of Hindu Marriage Act,

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Marriage Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on marriage.

In general, marriage can be described as a bond/commitment between a man and a woman. Also, this bond is strongly connected with love, tolerance, support, and harmony. Also, creating a family means to enter a new stage of social advancement. Marriages help in founding the new relationship between females and males. Also, this is thought to be the highest as well as the most important Institution in our society. The marriage essay is a guide to what constitutes a marriage in India. 

Marriage Essay

Whenever we think about marriage, the first thing that comes to our mind is the long-lasting relationship. Also, for everyone, marriage is one of the most important decisions in their life. Because you are choosing to live your whole life with that 1 person. Thus, when people decide to get married, they think of having a lovely family, dedicating their life together, and raising their children together. The circle of humankind is like that only. 

Read 500 Words Essay on Dowry System

As it is seen with other experiences as well, the experience of marriage can be successful or unsuccessful. If truth to be held, there is no secret to a successful marriage. It is all about finding the person and enjoying all the differences and imperfections, thereby making your life smooth. So, a good marriage is something that is supposed to be created by two loving people. Thus, it does not happen from time to time. Researchers believe that married people are less depressed and more happy as compared to unmarried people. 

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Concepts of Marriage

There is no theoretical concept of marriage. Because for everyone these concepts will keep on changing. But there are some basic concepts which are common in every marriage. These concepts are children, communication , problem-solving , and influences. Here, children may be the most considerable issue. Because many think that having a child is a stressful thing. While others do not believe it. But one thing is sure that having children will change the couple’s life. Now there is someone else besides them whose responsibilities and duties are to be done by the parents. 

Another concept in marriage is problem-solving where it is important to realize that you can live on your own every day. Thus, it is important to find solutions to some misunderstandings together. This is one of the essential parts of a marriage. Communication also plays a huge role in marriage. Thus, the couple should act friends, in fact, be,t friends. There should be no secret between the couple and no one should hide anything. So, both persons should do what they feel comfortable. It is not necessary to think that marriage is difficult and thus it makes you feel busy and unhappy all the time. 

Marriage is like a huge painting where you brush your movements and create your own love story. 

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Indian state passes uniform marriage legislation opposed by Muslims as a Hindu code applied to all

India's Bharatiya Janata Party supporters celebrate after Uttarakhand state lawmakers passed a uniform marriage law for all religions in Dehradun, India, Wednesday, Feb.7, 2024. The northern Indian state on Wednesday approved an unprecedented uniform code for marriage, divorce, adoption and inheritance for Hindus, Muslims and other religious communities under a new law that also requires couples that live together to register with the government or face punishment. (AP Photo)

India’s Bharatiya Janata Party supporters celebrate after Uttarakhand state lawmakers passed a uniform marriage law for all religions in Dehradun, India, Wednesday, Feb.7, 2024. The northern Indian state on Wednesday approved an unprecedented uniform code for marriage, divorce, adoption and inheritance for Hindus, Muslims and other religious communities under a new law that also requires couples that live together to register with the government or face punishment. (AP Photo)

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, center, gestures as he arrives to attend a special session of the state assembly that passed a uniform marriage law for all religions in Dehradun, India, Wednesday, Feb.7, 2024. The northern Indian state on Wednesday approved an unprecedented uniform code for marriage, divorce, adoption and inheritance for Hindus, Muslims and other religious communities under a new law that also requires couples that live together to register with the government or face punishment. (AP Photo)

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LUCKNOW, India (AP) — An Indian state has approved an unprecedented uniform code for marriage, divorce, adoption and inheritance for Hindus, Muslims and other religious communities under new legislation that also requires couples that live together to register with the government or face punishment.

Northern Uttarakhand state lawmakers passed the legislation on Wednesday and its approval by the state governor and the Indian president is seen as a formality before it becomes law in the state. Muslim leaders and others oppose the Uniform Civil Code initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu Nationalist party saying it interferes with their own laws and customs on such issues.

India, the world’s most populous nation with more than 1.4 billion people, is comprised of around 80% Hindus and about 14% Muslims. Muslims accuse Modi’s right-wing nationalist party of pursuing a Hindu agenda that discriminates against them and directly imposes laws interfering with their faith.

“This is a nefarious political design to drive a wedge in the society on religious lines,” said Yashpal Arya, an opposition Congress party lawmaker.

Pushkar Singh Dhami, the top elected official in Uttarakhand state, said: “The new legislation is not against any religion or community, but will bring uniformity in the society.”

FILE - Workers install solar panels at the Pavagada Solar Park 175 Kilometers north of Bangalore, India, March 1, 2018. Renewable projects have grown steadily in India for years, but a mix of policy decisions, politics and supply chain issues have slowed progress on solar projects in 2023. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi, File)

Other states ruled by Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party are expected to introduce similar legislation. If the BJP wins national elections expected in April or May, it may bring such legislation at the federal level.

The new law bans polygamy and sets a uniform age for marriage for men and women — 21 and 18, respectively — across all religions and also includes a uniform process for divorce.

Hindus, Muslims, Christians and other minority groups in India currently follow their own laws and customs for marriage, divorce, adoption and inheritance.

Asaduddin Owaisi, president of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen, said the legislation is merely a Hindu code that applies to all.

“I have a right to practice my religion and culture. This bill forces me to follow a different religion and culture. In our religion, inheritance and marriage are part of religious practice,” he said on X, formerly Twitter.

S.Q.R. Ilyas, the spokesperson for the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, said: “The bill is unnecessary, and goes against the principle of diversity. Its primary target appears to be Muslims, especially since even (some Indigenous tribes) have been exempted.”

A significant feature of the bill is the introduction of stringent measures that require the registration of live-in relationships. Couples failing to register their live-in status with district officials could face up to six months in prison or a fine of 25,000 rupees ($305) or both, said Manoj Singh Tamta, a state government official.

He said the bill explicitly states that children born out of such relationships will be considered legitimate offspring of the couple, inheriting all legal rights available to those born within a traditional marriage.

Sanjay Agnihotri, a consultant with a non-government organization that works in micro-financing, said he and his girlfriend belong to different castes and their families oppose the idea of them marrying. They relocated to another city and started living as partners without formalizing their relationship through marriage.

“However, the new legislation mandates us to register our relationship, which could potentially subject us to unwarranted police scrutiny,” said Agnihotri.

Uttarakhand became the first Indian state after it won independence from British colonialists in 1947 to adopt legislation on marriage, divorce, land, property and inheritance for all citizens, irrespective of their religion, a key part of the BJP’s agenda for decades.

Sharma contributed from New Delhi.

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Home — Essay Samples — Geography & Travel — India — Wedding Customs in Ancient and Medieval India

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Wedding Customs in Ancient and Medieval India

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Published: Nov 19, 2018

Words: 729 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

Wedding customs in ancient India

Wedding customs in medieval india.

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Essay on Hindu Marriage (999 Words)

January 15, 2018 by Study Mentor Leave a Comment

Marriage is the legally recognized union between a man and a woman who live with each other as husband and wife. This is the text book meaning.

In reality marriage is something way more deep at an emotional level. In this, two people vows to stay with each other through sickness and health. Marriage is also known as Wedding. Hindu marriage is a marriage that normally occurs in India.

Hindu people have a lot of rituals in every festival and also in marriage which is why it is specified as Hindu Marriage. There are so many rule that the bride and groom have to follow during the ceremony which last approximately three days.

However, the number of days a ceremony will last is not fixed as they depend on the Hindu calendar. Hindu marriage is also called vivaah sanskar.

Hindu marriage between two individuals which signifies their union is recognised by the law. It joins the families of the bride and groom together. The colour that is favourable in Hindu marriage is red and yellow or gold (especially red).

Table of Contents

Arranging the Marriage 

The marriage in Hindu society is arranged by the families in 90% cases. During the time of arrangement, the two families match the Janam Kundali (astrological chart based on the placement of the stars and planets at the time of the birth) with the help of Brahman or pandits.

If the Janam Kundali does not match, then the marriage between those two individuals gets cancelled. Maximum numbers of points of a Janam Kundali that can match are 36 and the minimum numbers of points are 18. Only after the pandits give their permission after matching the Kundali, the two families confirm the marriage between the two individuals.

After confirming the marriage, the families looks for suitable date in which the marriage ceremony will be held and once that is confirmed, the families finally starts the preparation of the marriage.

Marriage ceremony 

On the day of the marriage ceremony, the bride and groom’s families follow different procedure of starting the ceremony. Both the families even require a mini bride and groom in which little children takes part, as a part of the ritual.

Image Credit: Source (Hindu Wedding Rituals)

During the night, before the time of the Muharat or the time in which the marriage ritual should start, the groom along with his family comes to the bride’s place and then when the time comes, the bride’s father does kanyadaan in which he in front of the fire gives his daughter’s hand to the groom for the next seven life times.

Groom’s mother cannot come to the bride’s place and watch the ceremony as she is forbidden to do that so she stays in her home and prepares to welcome her daughter-in-law who will arrive the next day with her son. That night the groom along with a few of their family members stays at the bride’s place.

The next day after some rituals, the bride is taken from her house by the groom in a car decorated beautifully with flowers. After the bride reaches the groom’s house, they follow some rituals that do not take place in the bride’s home.

The next day is the final day of the marriage ceremony in which the bride’s family come to visit the bride in groom’s house with lots of gifts which falls under the rituals on Hindu marriage. That night is finally considered as the wedding night and the end of all the marriage rituals and ceremony.

After eight days of all the rituals, the bride then visits her parents along with the groom for another ritual which is called astamangalla. This is also a part of the ritual of Hindu marriage. After this is over, finally all the rituals are completed. Hindu marriage means a lot of rituals to be followed by the bride and groom along with their families.

Types of Hindu marriage 

There are eight types of Hindu marriages. They are –

  • Brahma Marriage
  • Daiva Marriage
  • Arsha Marriage
  • Paishacha Marriage
  • Rakshasa Marriage
  • Prajapatya Marriage
  • Asura Marriage
  • Gandharva Marriage.

All these marriage has different rituals which is what makes them so different like for example Brahma marriage can only happen between people who are Brahmins.

Hindu Marriage Act, 1955

The Hindu Marriage Act was passed on 1995. The Parliament of India passed this act. The main purpose for passing this act was to amend and codify the law relating to marriage among Hindus and others. This act also includes separation and divorce in it. This act can be applied to (according to the Section 2 of the act) –

  • to any person who is a Hindu by religion in any of its forms or developments, including a Virashaiva, a Lingayat or a follower of the Brahmo, Prarthana or Arya Samaj;
  • to any person who is a Buddhist, Jain or Sikh by religion; and
  • to any other person domiciled in the territories to which this Act extends who is not a Muslim, Christian, Parsi or Jew by religion, unless it is proved that any such person would not have been governed by the Hindu law or by any custom or usage as part of that law in respect of any of the matters dealt with herein if this Act had not been passed.

Conclusion 

Hindu marriage and its rituals vary from region to region but the main rituals remain the same. During the marriage, the bride wears a beautiful banarasi saree along with lots of jewels and one garland. Just like the bride, the groom wears dhoti and punjabi in a special way along with a garland.

The rituals are very important for the Hindus and all the rituals are done by the bride and groom’s family in presence of a Brahmin so that no mistakes are made. During the marriage, all the relatives of the respective families come at one place which makes the marriage very lively and full of spirit.

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Home / Essay Samples / Sociology / Arranged Marriage / Indian Culture: Arranged Marriages

Indian Culture: Arranged Marriages

  • Category: Sociology , Culture
  • Topic: Arranged Marriage , Indian Culture

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