Not many years back, matchmaking for marriage used to be the domain of newspapers. Who would forget the ‘patro-patri‘ columns in Anandabazar Patrika (ABP) every Sunday running into several pages? The columns are there still, but much shorter, like skeletons of former self.
Marriage matchmaking in the meantime has become high-tech. An example is the ad of ‘Shaadi.com‘ at the top of this page. When you click on it, you’re taken to its website that arguably has one of the best databases of prospective brides and grooms.
And now we have brick-and-mortar marriage bureaus managed by pleasant personalities, who will help you to ferret out the most perfect match. Shaadi.com’s offline venture is aptly called ‘Shaadi Point‘. There are 96 centers in 61 cities across India, of which Kolkata’s share is 5.
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I’ve had the pleasure of accompanying an acquaintance to their Gol Park center and I must say that it’s difficult not to get impressed by the sleekness of the whole thing, and of course the affability of those who run the place.
To be sure, Shaadi.com is not alone in India’s matchmaking scene. There are scores of others, and some appear equally big as Shaadi.com is. Since Indian psyche puts quite a premium on ‘perfect matchmaking’, it’s a huge opportunity out there. Which is why Shaadi.com has emerged as a big success in a short time.
Since matchmaking is being already offered, honed by skill acquired on the way, it’s no wonder that pre-marriage and wedding services too will join the list of offerings. One learns Shaadi.com is soon going to launch a ‘matching’ service named – what else but – Swayamvar.
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