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Marriage is by far life's most important voyage, a journey that is made all the more beautiful by the person you choose to travel it with. It is this little realization that makes the search for that special life partner so very important. And that justifies even more why this search needs to be unrestricted by geographical or spatial limitations and by want of choice. Across the length and breadth of India, the flavour of marriages changes as we move from one region to other region. Also, the main customs depend on which caste, religion or community you belong to. However, there is not an iota of doubt that of all Indian matrimonials, the customs and the ceremonies related to north Indian weddings are the most colourful. The weddings in Karnataka are a simple and joyful affair unlike other weddings in India, which are bright and pompous. The people of Karnataka, also known as kannidias, have many communities hence the marriage ritual varies in each of them unlike other communities in India. Telugu marriage is a very sophisticated affair and it includes various ceremonies and rituals which take place a few days before marriage. Wedding for Andhrites means lots of customs, traditions, rituals and long hours of enjoyments for both family and relatives. The Oriyas like to live a simple and plain life with minimal pomp and show, which gets reflected in their festivals and in their weddings. The weddings in Orissa are very similar to Hindu weddings. Each Phera in a Hindu wedding has a symbolic significance. They all have their individual meanings and importance. The Saat Pheras is also known as the Saptapadi or the seven steps which is the threshold of a happy marriage. In a way, these pheras are like seven promises made by the bride and groom to each other while moving around the holy fire or "Agni Devta". In any Indian wedding, the look of the bride and the groom on the D-day is very important. Especially, the look of the bride, her clothes, her jewelry and make-up are given a lot of stress. In fact, in Indian matrimony, brides find it a very special thing to get ready for the ceremony. To look her best on the day of her wedding is every bride’s dream. Tamils believe in simple living and high thinking and their marriages are also a simple affair. Tamil weddings are usually attended by near and dear ones. Hence their weddings are not necessarily extravagant affairs. Tamils consider matrimony very auspicious, so, they are very cautious at every step. Tamil marriages involve many rituals and customs like all other Indian marriages and matrimonials. The date for the wedding is usually fixed after consulting the Hindu calendar. NRI grooms and brides are very much in demand these days. NRI Matrimony has gained a lot of momentum in the past few decades. In fact, the very mention of word 'NRI' incites a deep rush of emotions and aspirations in the minds of most Indians.
Earlier, not many grooms used to concentrate on their look for the wedding day. But now the scene with the groom styling has completely changed in the Indian matrimony. After all, in any Indian wedding, the dress of the bride and the groom holds a lot of significance. During the early period of India, inter-caste marriages were considered to be a big taboo to enter. People were specifically particular to go for a matrimonial tie-up to a person belonging to the same caste or religion but now people are open to the idea of love marriages or inter-caste marriages and much more. Arranged marriages are often compared with marriages of convenience. The parents often indulge into matrimony thinking that their daughter should marry someone who will provide her financial security. In fact, there are as many reasons for entering into a marriage of convenience as there are novels dealing with this subject. Although an arranged marriage does not begin with love, there’s always that sensual tension cooking beneath the surface. Usually all Christian wedding are celebrated in a Church. During the wedding celebrations, the friends and family members of the bride and the bridegroom are supposed to manage everything. Basically, like any other Indian weddings, Christian weddings also spread for over a couple of days as there are pre-wedding, wedding and post wedding rituals. Marriage is an important event in Himachal Pradesh like any other Indian marriage. The parents as well as closer elder relatives start looking around for suitable matches as soon as a girl or boy is mature enough. At times, to start the matrimony of their son or daughter, parents arrange for a middleman, who is also known a match-maker or Roovary, Dhamu or Mazomi. Matrimony has transformed tremendously in India. From the Pandit Jis getting the marriages fixed, these days both the girl and boy either opt for a love marriage or would take indulge into an arranged marriage where their choice is completely involved. In a traditional Kannada Wedding, there are some very interesting rituals, which make the wedding a beautiful and enjoyable affair. Though in performance, all Kannada marriages resembles the traditional Hindu marriage. However, the customs and traditions performed do differ and vary according to the different regions in the state. Malayalee weddings are usually a family affair as the Malayalee community is rather relatives. As the Malayalee are people of simple living and high thinking, their weddings are not necessarily grand affairs. Though the weddings are a very simple affair, they are usually celebrated with full excitement and fun. As per the traditional Malayee culture, a search for the right match is initiated as soon as the girl or the boy attain the marriageable age. Parsi marriage is conducted with a great ardor and passion. Although the rituals performed during the wedding are quite simple and provide full opportunity for enjoyment. However, like other Indian marriages, Parsi marriages also have a number of rituals which extend over many days. Oriya wedding is as beautiful as all other wedding affairs in India. Most of the rituals and traditions are similar to any other Indian marriage. The only difference in case of Oriya wedding is that the mother of the groom does not participate in the marriage. The marriage involves various pre and post wedding ceremonies which are being held since ages. A Muslim wedding is a simple and beautiful affair. It ties a man and a woman into a pious knot that marks a journey of togetherness. Here’s a sneak peek of the Muslim Wedding rituals in India. The rituals of a Muslim matrimonial begin with one of the most beautiful ceremonies, called the Mehndi. This ceremony is usually held at bride’s home either on the eve of the wedding ceremony or a couple of days before it.
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