India is Fighting to Keep its Traditional Marriages

 

By: Jake M, Matt C, and Osama T - B2

 

As India continues to enter a new age of westernization, many old traditions in India are adapting to fit the Western world. One major example is marriage and dating. Traditional Indian marriages are arranged marriages in which it is the parents that organize a wedding for their child. The child’s age can vary, but usually when one is in their early or late teens their parents have already established wedding plans. These traditional marriages function without the consent of the bride or groom. As India has become more modern, this marital technique has surprisingly held its ground, and has lost little popularity. The overwhelming majority of Indians still have their marital partner arranged for them by a respected family member. The divorce rate in India is also 45 times lower than in America, because couples are being established by wise, experienced individuals. However, the idea of finding one’s own significant other is spreading at a slow, constant rate. National Public Radio has included an audio segment on their website that explains the arrival of speed dating in India's capital, New Delhi. This technique strongly contradicts the ideals of traditional Indian matchmaking, however, it has become popular because it is a Western practice. This verbal segment can be found here: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4964487. Below are some images that reflect two Indian weddings: a traditional one, and a modernized one. Also included are images that demonstrate an arranged marriage versus an online matchmaking website. 

 

 

This picture depicts a traditional marriage that houses Indian food, artwork, and ceremonies.

Image found at: http://exotic-indian-weddings.com/pandit.jpg

 

 

The fancy ornaments and flowers in this wedding reflect a Western style, which is becoming increasingly more prominent in India.

Image Found at: http://www.weddingmantras.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/c7888e2e-f108-4137-a7a2-1a04681f6b5c.jpg

 

 

This picture shows an arranged bride and groom in a post-marriage ceremony.

Image found at: http://www.sangam.org/taraki/articles/2006/images/M337687.jpg 

 

This picture displays a popular speed dating service set-up in India.

Image found at: http://www.siliconeer.com/past_issues/2005/Nov2005-files/nov-comcor-speed.jpg

 

Arya Kumar: Dating or Marriage?

 

By Matt Crabtree, Jake Marples and Osama Tariq

 

 

M: Oh my daughter Arya, it is time for you to marry, and I have found the perfect husband for you.  He is a noble of high rank and honor, and he has very high prestige and rank throughout all of India.  He’s got money too, so he can easily pay for your dowry.  His name is Prasham, and he is a very nice young man.

 

J: Father, you are such a pompous fool.  It is so typical for you to say such a thing.  Everyone knows that speed dating online is totally in fashion right now.  Plus this Prasham person sounds like a total loser. 

 

M: Speed dating is for lower class maids who cannot get a date face to face.  Besides, he has money and fame!

 

J: So do Britney Spears and Paris Hilton, but we all know how they turned out.

 

M: Do not insult them.  I personally happen to like that one song “Toxic” by Britney.  It makes me want to dance. (Starts dancing)

 

J: Father, please stop before you pull a back muscle again.  But I don’t love him father.  I am in love with a man I met on speed dating named Balbir.

 

M: Have you even met this Bald Beard??

 

J:  His name is Balbir, not Bald Beard (unlike yourself). And as a matter of fact I have.  He is a real gentleman.

 

M: So is Prasham.  Aha! Here he is now!

 

(Osama walks in)

 

O:  Hello Sir Kumar, and hello Madame Arya.  I am greatly pleased to meet you.

 

(Kisses Arya’s hand)

 

J: Charmed.  So what do you want? Surely you must have business to attend to.  (Whispers to father) I told you he was a loser.

 

O: Oh of course, but I just wanted to honor your father’s wishes by coming to introduce myself to you.

 

J: Don’t waste your breath.  You seem nice, but you are not my type.  Sorry.

 

O: Do not worry.  You are one of the many fair maidens that are after me. Ha ha ha.  Farewell, to you both, I have women… I mean… business to attend to.

 

(Leaves stage)

 

M: Now why in the hell did you do that?  He was most certainly “into you” as you teenagers call it, and you shooed him away!  Why?

 

J:  Because I have a date with Balbir. Bye father! By the way, I left you a little present on the table.

 

(Exits stage)

 

M: What? Oh yes! A Britney Spears Greatest Hits CD!

 

(Exits stage)