Arranged marriages have been closely linked to Indian culture since time immemorial. Owing to advancing technology, there has been a surge of online platforms that aid men and women to find their match. Amid the lockdown restrictions, the grind did not stop.
The ‘big-fat’ Indian wedding culture has shifted to virtual weddings due to lockdown restrictions imposed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. With public places being shut, people are looking for alternate ways to meet each other. To adjust to the new norm, online platforms such as Shaadi.com, Jeevansathi.com, and Bharat Matrimony have implemented new solutions in the form of video call meet-ups and even zoom-call weddings.
Jeevansathi.com had introduced a video call feature even before the lockdown began and reported a hike in matches during the lockdown. Similarly, Shaadi.com had launched a video call feature called Shaadi Meet where potential brides and grooms can meet for the first time over a video call.
These platforms have also taken into consideration the safety of its users. Rohan Mathur, a business head at Jeevansathi.com says that users do not have to exchange phone numbers to access the video call feature. At Bharat Matrimony, users have ensured privacy with respect to who can initiate video calls to prevent crank calls. Users of Shaadi.com can decide who can invite them for a video call but set a comfortable time to receive meet requests.
During the lockdown, a number of weddings have taken place via video call platforms.
Source: Business Insider