In India, marriage is not only the sacred union of two individuals, but also the joining of two families and extended families. Arranged marriages still exist where families decide on the bride and groom. Up until a few decades ago it was not uncommon for a bride and groom to meet each other for the first time on their wedding day. Today the trend is changing in urban areas where young people have more input in choosing their life partner. The first step is to determine a couple’s compatibility by check their horoscopes. If everything aligns, then the couple meets in order to assess if they have similar interests. Once both parties agree there is a match then plans begin for the engagement ceremony and wedding. Though arranged marriages are still the norm in India marriages based on love are becoming a more common occurrence. …show more content…
It is very elaborate and vibrant and involves close friends and relatives. The main purpose is for the two families to meet and make the engagement official by performing rituals. A favorable wedding date and time is decided based on horoscopes. The elders of both families proceed to bless the couple and they receive gifts from their new family. The period between the engagement and marriage is a very exciting time and includes many activities in which the families get together to plan the wedding, shop, and