KERALA MARRIAGES

         Matchmaking in Kerala

Keralites follow the traditional methods of matchmaking. It is one of the main responsibility of the parents to find a suitable alliance. Even their family members also help in this. So the initial step is to inform the social circle or the internal community about the parent's intention of getting their child married. The boy/girls family members discuss about their marriage intentions and also the requirements for the prospective girl/boy. Finally a relative or any family member will approach the family with a suitable match for their child. They look into the details such as educational qualifications, interests, job, family background etc. Together with the individual compatibility of the girl and the boy they also check the family status as well as the financial capability. If the family is satisfied with these details they proceed further. In the case of Hindu families they check whether there is horoscope matching. It is one of the important factors during marriage decisions. Horoscopes are created based on the date, and time of birth and the birth star. In the horoscope matching, there are 10 matches. Some may have afflictions in their horoscopes such as the kuja dosha etc. In such cases it is very difficult and may take a longer time to find a suitable match.  If the astrological compatibility is about 7-8 matching out of 10, then the parents get ready to meet the prospective girl or boy. They fix an auspicious day and the boys family comes to the girls house to meet them. The girl dressed beautifully is presented before them. It is not compulsory that the boy has to come along with his parents. If both the family agrees then a date is fixed for the engagement. The family may put an advertisement of their children's marriage in dailies and magazines. There are new methods adopted for finding a perfect match. With the advancement in technology, there are various matrimonial sites developed for finding a perfect alliance.  The marriage seekers will post an advertisement in such matrimonial sites specifying their requirements.