Traditionally, marriage in India has been viewed as a sacrament, symbolising a lifelong, sacred, and indissoluble bond. However, social change has led to a re-evaluation of this sacramental character.
Marriage as a sacrament losing its value
The increasing legal and social acceptance of divorce contradicts the sacramental view of marriage as an “eternal union.”
Decline in the role of family in marital decisions highlights the changing nature of marriage from “duty” to personal choice.
Rising median age of marriage for women (NFHS-5) highlights preference for education and careers over marriage
Shift toward “Symmetrical Families” – Traditional hierarchy (Husband as God/Pati-Parmeshwar) is being replaced by egalitarian partnerships. Eg- rise in “dual income” households
Emergence of Live-in Relationships – The growing preference for cohabitation without religious rituals directly bypasses the sacramental requirement.
Economic Independence of Women – As per Leela Dube, as women gain property rights and careers, they prioritize “self-respect” over the “sacramental duty” to remain in dysfunctional marriages.
“De-ritualization” (Yogendra Singh) – Marriage has shifted from a religious rite to a “Big Fat Indian Wedding” focused on conspicuous consumption.
Commercialization of marriage. Eg- rise of matchmaking sites like shaadi.com
However, sacramental value still persists
Continued Importance of Rituals – Eg- Performance of saptapadi, mangalsutra, kanyadaan.
Persistence of endogamy and arranged marriages
Marriage remains a key marker of adulthood. Eg- Social pressure to marry across regions.
Despite the increase, divorce remains low compared to global standards.
Marriage is still valued as the foundation of family and society.
The sacramental view is still strong in rural and semi-urban areas.
Reinterpretation Rather than Rejection – Eg- Love marriages solemnised with traditional rituals.
SC’s decision to not recognise “same sex marriages” (Supriyo v. Union of India) highlight sacramental value of marriage
Marriage as a pure sacrament is undergoing transformation in modern India, but it is not losing its value entirely. As Yogendra Singh suggests, we are witnessing a “Modernization of Tradition.”