Que: Do you think that marriage is losing its value as a sacrament in modern India?

In Indian society, marriage is not just a social contract, but is considered a sacrament from a religious and cultural perspective. In the Vedas, marriage is considered one of the sixteen sacraments, the purpose of which is not only the union of husband and wife, but also the establishment of duties, values ​​and social responsibilities. However, in modern India, changing socio-economic conditions, globalization, education, urbanization and the increasing influence of individual freedom have challenged the traditional concept of marriage.

• Concerns about ‘marriage as a sacrament’ due to changing circumstances in modern India

1. High level of individualism: Today’s youth prioritize personal freedom and choice in marriage decisions. Individuals give more importance to their own happiness, compatibility and personal goals than traditional expectations.
2. Rise of alternative lifestyles: The rise of alternatives like live-in relationships, single-parent families (whether through adoption or otherwise) reflects the growing acceptance of different family systems in India. Recently, the Supreme Court has also given legal recognition to live-in relationships, although their status is still unclear.
3. Social acceptance of divorce and separation: The negative effects of social acceptance against divorce and separation are decreasing, which is why people are increasingly opting to get out of abusive marriages if they are not happy. Today, the divorce rate in India is around 1%, but has reached 30% in urban areas. This trend has automatically encouraged personal well-being and autonomy.
4. Growing aspirations of youth: In pursuit of education, career and personal development, young people are prioritizing personal and professional goals over early or arranged marriages. Also, the age of marriage has increased due to the increasing demand for education and dowry.
5. Women empowerment: Women are now economically independent and do not choose to marry only under social pressure.
6. Globalization and Western influence: The belief of viewing marriage as a legal contract rather than a ritual has become stronger.
7. Problems like dowry system, domestic violence: These problems are damaging the sanctity of the institution of marriage.

• ‘Marriage’ is still a ‘ritual’ in Indian society:

1. Basis of family: Marriage is seen as an institution through which families are structured and united. Family is a fundamental unit in Indian culture and marriage plays a vital role in its establishment.
2. Continuity of lineage: Marriage is seen as a means of ensuring continuity of one’s family and traditions, which strengthens its ritual value.
3. Religious significance: The customs and rituals associated with marriage underline the spiritual significance of this institution. Arranged marriage is still prevalent in more than 90% of the cases.
4. Legal and Cultural Protection: Marriage is still the basis of property, inheritance and social identity.

Thus, marriage has been a fundamental pillar of Indian society, providing support to culture, religion and social structure. In modern India, its form and significance have certainly changed, but it has not become completely irrelevant. Today, the institution of marriage needs to be redefined on the values ​​of equality, respect, freedom and justice, so that it remains relevant not only as a religious rite but also as a modern social contract. Thus, it can be said that even though the religious form of marriage is weakening, its significance still exists deeply in Indian society.