Shaadi.com

The most common way in this far away land of deciding on a life partner is by family members making the arrangements. In the past, this was done in some cases by marrying cousins, or through other family connections. A new era brought new technology, namely, the Internet. Hence, Shaadi.com, one of many many matrimonial services (In the States, the equivalent is eHarmony.com, except here, the parents, siblings, or uncles generally submit the profile and look for matches).

In this far away land girls must get married between the ages of 18-25 (can vary depending on whether the girl lives in the village or in the city, and on the social status), otherwise she may live her life at her parents house and grow to be an old maid. Since I am 23 and beginning to lean toward the elder part of the marriable age range, on a regular basis I am asked if I'm married, to which I must respond, "no, not yet." Most people generally tend to go crazy when they hear this answer. They want to know if my parents are in the process of making a match, if the wedding will be soon, or if they need to make a match for me.

Many many many of my friends in the States are married or will be in the very near future. This is also beginning to be the case here. Just this week, my friend Neelam's marriage was fixed. She's never met this guy with whom she will tie the knot (literally, they tie the ends of her sari and his scarf-like garment) likely before the 10th of April. Neelam is my good friend Nisha's first cousin and a little bit (maybe a few weeks) older than Nisha. The next in line by age to get married is Nisha. Yesterday, I had the very fun privilage of creating Nisha's profile for Shaadi.com, and looking for matches all evening. Today, when I went to visit, the father had purchased a 90 day subscription to Bharatimatrimonial.com for a total of about 40 USD. With this premium membership we'll be able to see pictures, get contact information immediately, etc.

What an interesting experience....wonder if it works...