Arranged marriages, by definition are when two individuals from the same racial and cultural background are picked by their respective parents or relatives to be united in the holy name of marriage. Arranged marriages happen all over the world but its most famous in India. No matter how westernized India has become, about 95% of marriages in India are arranged. Arranged marriages have been around India form the beginning of time. Arranged marriages, which are so the norm in India always seems to faze the non-Indians. One simply cannot fathom how practical strangers can get married and settle down for a life together. One has to wonder, how it's all done! Starting from the point, on who and where they pursue the possible prospect, how the family members and society looks at arrange marriage and each individual. Also, one must wonder about the positives and negatives of an arranged marriage.
Starting form the beginning, who, where and how is the search for a suitable prospect begin? .
It all starts with the Aunts, usually called "Aunties" or "Aunti-ji" in India. Aunties play a very important role; from it's beginning to it's functioning. For them the task of arranging comes as naturally as breathing, one can even go as far as saying it's a hobby for them. These aunties are a community by themselves, no outsiders are allowed in. The best place for these spouse hunters are in weddings. Weddings seem the most natural place where continuity of their task can be ensured; the basic idea being, as one person falls at his/her wedding, preliminary arrangements for the next one can be laid at the same wedding. .
In the Indian society love marriages are frowned upon. Arranging a marriage for children has become part of the Indian traditions over a long period of time. If a person were not arranged, it would be breaking the social and cultural norm. The people from the older generations, like parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles still feel that arranged marriages are more stable and strong.