Marriage ceremonies are a significant occurrence in
everyone's life, and how they are organized varies greatly
across the globe. Arranged marriages continue to be the standard in Nepali
culture. When the bride and groom are pre-arranged by their parents and family,
it is known as an arranged marriage. Nepal places a high value on arranged
marriages as a country that is mostly focused on social practices and
traditions. Prior to the wedding day, the bride and groom are unable to see or
even see each other's faces.
Arranged marriages are popular in Nepalese Hindu culture, and
Hindus believe that marriages are made in heaven. When their son or daughter
reaches marriageable age, their parents search for a groom or wife by relatives
or people they meet, who is known as middlemen or "Lami" in Nepali.
If
the groom or bride has been selected, the parents will meet with
Astrologers/Priests to determine if the bride and groom is a good match. Both
the bride and groom's star signs are paired for this reason. The lami, or
middle person, who serves as a messenger for both families, is interested in
all aspects of wedding planning.
Going for an arranged marriage can seem a little out of date
in these days and age of online dating and love affairs that lead to marriage.
Surprisingly, this idea has been a part of our culture for decades and
continues to significantly impact our society. Many people
want to marry in an arranged marriage. According to the findings of a few
surveys, the global divorce rate in arranged marriages is relatively low, which
can be why 90% of marriages in Nepal are arranged. So, what makes
this traditional method so effective in today's world? Here are several
potential explanations.
·
The level of anticipation
You hardly
know your companion in an arranged marriage and would take your time to learn more about them. You
begin the relationship with low expectations, and both sides observe and change
situations in order to make the marriage succeed. In reality,
you recognize the person for who he or she is and do not have the right to
claim that you dated anyone else before marrying and that he or she changed
after the wedding.
·
The Choices
When it comes to arranged
marriages, you can be spoiled for options. You will find the right match online
when seated in the warmth of your own home with your friends, thanks to
matrimonial applications and blogs. It is not required that your intervening
relatives or neighbors carry you ‘bihe ko kura' and introduce you to a
potential groom or bride's kin. In reality, you have complete
control over the process and should search for someone who respects your views
and core values.
·
Social compatibility
You don't just marry your partner;
you marry his or her whole family, as they suggest. Your parents are concerned
about your prospective spouse's cultural heritage, professional credentials,
socioeconomic standing, and ability to adapt to a new family, all of which
contribute to a smoother married life. You have no choice but to embrace
anything in love marriage.
·
The courtship period
The idea of an arranged marriage is
changing along with society. Before making a decision, couples prefer to meet
several times to discuss their desires from marriage. Not just that, but even
families are fine with a long bonding time if it allows the bride and groom to
get to know each other better.
·
Parental decision
In the Nepalese context, most of the
parents prefer the same religion, caste, and community for the marital relationship of their
children. So, they try to arrange their children’s marriage within the same
caste and religion. Parents, without a doubt, have more experience with what
comes after marriage and know what is right for their children. They have a
greater understanding of you, your interests, and the dynamics of this
friendship.
If it's love or arranged marriage, you must take a leap of
faith and pray for happier family life at the end of the day. Marriage is a
gamble because there is no way to know how it will work out. What counts is
that no one should be compelled to make this decision and that they should only
tie the knot when they are able.