Indian marriage is a traditional and cultural union between two individuals, typically arranged by their families. The customs and rituals of Indian marriage vary greatly among different religions and regions of India. Common traditions include pre-wedding ceremonies such as engagement and Haldi, the main wedding ceremony, and post-wedding celebrations such as the reception. Indian marriages are known for their elaborate and colorful rituals, as well as their strong emphasis on family and community.
Why Indians use lot of money in marriage
There are several reasons why Indians tend to spend a lot of money on marriages. One reason is that marriage is considered a very important life event in Indian culture and is often seen as a way to showcase one’s social status and wealth.
Additionally, marriages are often large, extravagant events that involve many guests, and it is traditional to provide food, entertainment, and gifts for all of them. Many families also believe that a lavish wedding will bring good luck and prosperity to the newlyweds. Another reason is that, in India, marriage is also considered as an investment or security in the future of the couple, hence people tend to invest more in it.
How many types of Marriage in India
There are several types of marriage recognized in India, which vary by religion, culture, and region. Here are a few examples:
- Hindu Marriage: Hindu marriages are governed by the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 and the Special Marriage Act, 1954. Hindu marriages are generally arranged by the families of the bride and groom and are performed in accordance with traditional rituals.
- Muslim Marriage: Muslim marriages are governed by the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1937. Muslim marriages are also arranged by the families of the bride and groom, and are performed in accordance with Islamic customs and rituals.
- Christian Marriage: Christian marriages are governed by the Indian Christian Marriage Act, 1872. Christian marriages are performed in a church, and are conducted by a priest.
- Sikh Marriage: Sikh marriages are governed by the Anand Marriage Act, 1909. Sikh marriages are performed in accordance with traditional Sikh customs and rituals, and are conducted in a gurudwara (Sikh place of worship).
- Buddhist Marriage: Buddhist marriages are governed by the Buddhist Marriage Act,1954. Buddhist marriages are performed in accordance with traditional Buddhist customs and rituals, and are conducted in a temple or monastery.
- Jain Marriage: Jain marriages are governed by The Jain Marriage and Divorce Act, 1965. Jain marriages are performed in accordance with traditional Jain customs and rituals.These are some of the examples of marriage, there are many more types of marriages like tribal marriages, inter caste marriages, love marriages, etc.
Type of marriage in vedic period
In the Vedic period of ancient India, there were eight types of marriage recognized in Hinduism, which were known as the “ashtakona” or “eight forms of marriage.” These eight forms of marriage were:
- Brahma: A marriage where the bride’s father gives her away to a learned and virtuous groom, who is chosen by the bride’s father.
- Daiva: A marriage where the bride is given away to a priest as a form of offering or sacrifice.
- Arsha: A marriage where the groom gives the bride’s father cows or other gifts in exchange for the bride.
- Prajapatya: A marriage where the bride and groom are chosen by the bride’s father and the groom’s father.
- Gandharva: A marriage where the bride and groom fall in love and marry each other without the consent of their families.
- Asura: A marriage where the bride is bought from her father for a price.
- Rakshasa: A marriage where the groom kidnaps the bride and forces her to marry him
- Paishacha: A marriage where the bride is seduced by the groom.These eight forms of marriage were not considered to be equal in terms of social status or moral acceptability, with Brahma and Prajapatya marriages being considered the most desirable and Gandharva and Rakshasa marriages being considered the least desirable.
- These types of marriage were based on the ritualistic and traditional way of marriages, it is not practiced now a days.
