Changing Marriage Considerations, Notion of Honour and Choices in Haryana, India

Over the past few years, the institution of marriage is undergoing tremendous change. Marriage remains universal and nearly compulsory both for boys and girls as this is an indicator of one’s overall position in society. In case of women, marriage is considered important especially for protecting their sexuality and family honour. In case of men too, marriage is important as it is linked with reproduction, their masculinity and having control on their wives and children. The state of Haryana is fast urbanising, with extensive consumerist culture and individualism. In view of the emerging scenario in Haryana, there is serious crisis penetrating deep inside the rural society where forces of tradition and modernity are in sharp contrast defying each other

The present paper is based on extensive ethnographic study to examine the marriage norms, restrictions and notion of honour associated to women/girls. How does the violation in the observance of the prescribed rules of marriage result into severe punishment sabotaging freedom of choice to enter into matrimony. The study concluded the need to create an environment of dialogue, freedom and gender space to protect individual interests. For this, civil society organizations, academia, activists and media together should take the lead.