Trend of late marriages

It is well said that ‘Marriages are made in heaven’. With time the concept of weddings has changed a lot. Earlier the world was against early marriages but nowadays late marriages are becoming an issue, especially in Jammu and Kashmir. Not only is dowry the sole reason for late marriages, but there are other problems which come the way of unmarried people. Nowadays, youngsters have a different perspective of looking at marriage. In our valley, the youth is drawn towards education and career. The school, high secondary, college and university phase almost eats up their golden years of life. Then again the youth begins to hunt for jobs which also takes a few more years. This ultimately results in late marriages, especially the women folk. Moreover, the dowry system is a venom which is spreading in societies. Poor parents are not able to fulfil the requirements for their daughter’s wedding. They fail to arrange luxurious items including cash, jewellery, electronic items etc. Besides this, they can’t bear the gifts and copper items for the bridegroom’s family. Wazwaan which is the main feast in Kashmir weddings is too expensive that a poor daughter can’t afford it. The daughter chooses not to marry and save her father from internal pressures. However, presents are important from fathers. It is surely a right of every daughter and helps brides to start a new life and become financially independent. For poor families, it becomes quite difficult to give dowry to their daughters. Men have always been a provider and must not demand anything from the bride. They must invest money in their brides instead of asking them for a dowry. Hence, people must stand against the idea of dowry. Many people dream of getting married but not everyone is able to fulfil them. Thousands of women are still unmarried due to one reason or the other. The ladies must also try to be financially stable so that they can invest in their own marriages. The LG administration must introduce more schemes for unmarried girls in the valley.