Published On : 03-06-2025 By MarryWOW Matchmaking Team

Will I ever find a good match for matrimony ? Why is arranged marriage so difficult in India ?

Challenges in matchmaking for arranged matrimony in India. Shaadi in India has indeed become challenging due to issues in finding a compatible match and further complicated by trust issues and lack of common connections to answer queries and bridge the gap. MarryWOW is here to solve the problem. 

Arranged marriages remain a significant cultural practice in India, but they are not without challenges. Here are some of the most prominent issues faced by individuals and families involved in arranged marriages:

1. Lack of Personal Choice

  • Individuals may have limited say in choosing their life partner.

  • Pressure from family or community often outweighs personal preferences.

  • Compatibility based on emotional, intellectual, or lifestyle factors can be overlooked.

2. Family and Social Pressure

  • Strong expectations to marry within caste, religion, or socioeconomic status.

  • Rejection of a proposal can lead to family disputes or social stigma.

  • Fear of community judgment or dishonoring the family.

3. Gender Inequality

  • Women are often subjected to more scrutiny regarding appearance, behavior, and family background.

  • In some cases, the bride’s education or career is downplayed in favor of her domestic skills.

  • Patriarchal norms can lead to control over the woman’s autonomy post-marriage.

4. Dowry and Financial Expectations

  • Despite being illegal, dowry practices still exist in many parts of India.

  • Financial demands can place immense pressure on the bride's family.

  • Dowry-related disputes have been linked to domestic abuse and even dowry deaths.

5. Compatibility Issues

  • Marriages arranged without sufficient courtship or understanding may lead to incompatibility.

  • Emotional and sexual dissatisfaction is common in some cases due to lack of connection.

  • Adjustment issues, especially in joint families, can be overwhelming.

6. Lack of Pre-marital Interaction

  • Limited time or space to know each other before marriage.

  • Conversations are often formal or supervised, restricting open dialogue.

  • This can lead to unrealistic expectations and communication gaps.

7. Influence of Astrology and Superstition

  • Horoscope matching is prioritized over personality traits or life goals.

  • Decisions based on astrology can delay or cancel otherwise suitable matches.

8. Interference from Extended Family

  • In joint family systems, in-laws may interfere in the couple’s personal matters.

  • Young couples may lack privacy or independence in making life decisions.

9. Changing Social Values

  • Growing urbanization and education have led many to question traditional marriage practices.

  • There is increasing conflict between modern values (e.g., love, equality) and traditional expectations.

10. Legal and Ethical Concerns

  • Cases of child marriage still occur under the guise of tradition.

  • Marriages without the full consent of both parties raise ethical and legal red flags.