Before the engagement
In India, young adults generally get married by 25 years of age. If a girl has a boyfriend with whom she is quite happy, it’s not uncommon that her father may advise her to leave the boyfriend so, that she is single again to get married. In India, if two people are happy in love with each other and not inclined to getting married, the chances are high that others will have an issue with that. However, in most western countries, parents do not interfere so much in their kid's love unless he takes a decision to marry a transgender, and sometimes not even then.
Engagement
When it comes to engagement in India, the family throws a majestic celebration at this grand club and wears majestic outfits as they exchange majestic gifts with the boy's majestic family so that the whole town is declared that their seemingly virginal daughter can finally date without getting into any controversy. In developed countries, a couple strolls along the beach in the US, when the man proposes the lady, perhaps gifts her a ring that he may have bought from a neighboring utilities shop. This is how they are engaged.
The ritual
In India, there is a tradition of 7 phere. In other countries, bride and groom may just write their own vows and read them loudly at their wedding which is really nice. And that’s where the nice ends. As similar suits are worn by all the best men while the identical dressing is done by the bridesmaids. Still, people may find a simple “I do” easier compared to 7 phere at an Indian marriage.
At the Wedding Banquet
In India, a majestic wedding banquet in a premium hotel is booked by the girl’s father where three varied battlefield – sized halls are reserved for three different ceremonies, and the reception is a complete varied affair. The dance begins and concludes at the arrival of the barrat with various Bollywood songs played in the background. According to a mahurat, the complete event takes place. In contrast, in western countries weddings are hosted at a church after which reception is staged at the close by hotel. In the hotel, music is played by a band while the newlywed couple starts with the first dance.
Give and take of Money
Dowry is still a common practice in India. It can be a big spoilsport if the bride’s parents fail to arrange for dowry. On the other hand, things are changing at a snail's pace in India where both sets of parents mutually share money and resources for the wedding. There is a ritual in India, where bride’s sisters steal the shoes of the groom for money although in New York no one will be interested in stealing the muddy shoes.
At the end, whether it is an Indian or a western wedding, it is a marriage nonetheless. Both are fantastic ways of celebrating a union.