The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Find your life partner online!

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Find your life partner online!

Nivedita Ganguly

Photo: K.R. Deepak

Ideal match: Portals offer a range of services, besides making the process quicker and simpler. –

Marriages in India used to be an elaborate affair, with the matching of horoscopes, auspicious dates being set for the big day and many such rituals. Technology today has eclipsed the traditional rituals of a marriage. With the withering away of the family grapevine and the near extinction of the village network, matrimonial websites have come in the forefront of the matchmaking scene with its variety of features that are available just at the click of the mouse. At a time when conventional matchmakers are not easily accessible, they have come to the rescue of people in the search of their soul mates.

There was a time when the young watched with peripheral interest the matching of horoscopes, the meeting of families and then of the two important players. But now, the older system is out. Today, looks, colour, dowry, caste and the stars, the known obstacles that parents face while looking out for an alliance, have almost become non-existent. Call it the advent of high-tech marriages or simply a swifter way to get into the wedlock. Online marriages have become increasingly popular with the new generation.

The method is quick and simple. Registration on the portal entitles the user to a range of services offered. The free services include – photos and video clippings, adding horoscopes with the profiles. Some of the paid services facilitate horoscope matching, instant messenger facility where you can chat with the prospective partners and contact them as well.

Verification process

Because of the easy accessibility, the danger of fraud or the question of invasion of privacy needs to be considered. Each portal has its unique verification process that gives a detailed report of the prospective bride/bridegroom within a few days after the verification request has been made.

Complete portal

The report contains details of blood group, occupation, income, education and family background. The websites claim to be a complete marriage portal that also offer an exhaustive range of wedding-related products and services like information on associated services such as beauty parlours, jewellery stores, gift items, honeymoon packages, caterers and photographers. Most sites also have chat room facility and wedding planner.

Some offer specialised services like organising theme weddings that include designing innovative and dramatic themes to working out honeymoon packages. Themes such as colonial, Moghul or Rajasthani, the portals will tailor-design any arrangement that one wishes to have.

Astrology

The age-old practice of traditional matchmaking through astrology always precedes marriage. And with the number of divorces and marital conflicts becoming more common these days, everyone wants to play safe! Forget the bare torsoed men sitting under the tree or the old men sitting on the pavement with a pack of cards and a parrot.

The new age astrologer sits in a posh room with a laptop and has all the latest software to help the computer calculate horoscopes and give his instant predictions for your ideal match as well.

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