Marriage remains a central milestone. However, the concept is evolving. While arranged marriages remain the norm, they have morphed into "semi-arranged" setups where individuals have veto power and a courtship period. The average age of marriage has risen, and there is a growing acceptance of inter-caste and inter-religious marriages, signaling a cultural shift towards individual agency over collective community approval.
: Women are the primary keepers of traditions like Rangoli (floor art) and are central to religious festivals where they are often revered as embodiments of divine power. Marriage remains a central milestone
The biggest shift in the last decade is the "delay." Marriage remains a central milestone. However