We Indians strictly believe that marriage is a union of not just two people but that of two families. Our beliefs are such that we believe in the sanctity of matrimony. Even today most marriages in India are arranged by the parents. But what ensues in this merger is nothing less than the opening of the Pandora’s Box.
Indians are simple-minded people who are extremely religious when the moment strikes. And somehow marriage is one such moment. The marriage preparation starts from the day that parents start searching for a prospective spouse for their child. The word of mouth works best in most cases. Matrimonial sites and newspaper advertisements are the next steps. Imagine your parents going about and telling everyone who cares to listen that they have a child of marriageable age. It’s almost as if every Tom, Dick, and Harry is invited to try their luck. But jokes apart, parents are well aware of the nature of their children and their expectations of a spouse. This closeness comes from years of living together and spending all holidays and festivals as a family.
Once the hunt for prospective bride or groom is over, it is time to look for auspicious dates for marriage. Here the prime requirement is the right alignment of planets. It has nothing to do with the availability of either the venue or the guests. Our faith tells us that when the time is right everything else will fall into place. Now that is what I call the magic of marriage because no matter how impossible the situation, everything works out just fine.
Then comes the shopping spree which is another adventure in itself. Shopping is done not only for the groom or bride but for the entire family. The bride side shops for the groom’s family and vice-versa. Each family tries to shop for the others assuming that they will like whatever is gifted. Gifted being the keyword. Alas, there is always scope for improvement.
Finally, it’s the day of marriage. The fashion bling is a sight for sore eyes and food layout will give you heartburn. Now, that is what I call Holy Matrimony!
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