Increased use of internet means more and more people are turning to matrimonial sites to find their match. This has the advantages of a huge database, easy communication, and elimination of middlemen and thereby increased transparency.

In India, where arranged marriage is still the norm, matrimonial sites are becoming increasingly popular. Incidentally arranged-cum-love marriages are also being facilitated by these sites. And when you walk into a party of recently weds, you will find many couples who have found each other through these online marriage bureaus.

All details that one could seek about a candidate are available in a nicely categorized manner. Details like physical attributes, social attributes, personal habits, hobbies, education and profession are all there. You can also see the candidate’s spouse preferences and judge whether you fit in or not. One can search through the extensive database through the wisely designed search features. One can “express interest” in a candidate and thus start an interaction. The eligible bachelor or girl can be brought into the picture only if the well-wishers are satisfied. So it saves a lot of mental agony associated with being displayed before different groups of strangers time and again. One can politely refuse if at any point one feels that it is not worth proceeding. Matchmaking has suddenly turned more subtle and refined.

It is surprising that even eligible boys and girls who are educated and outgoing in their approach, work in MNCs and lead an active social life, also resort to these sites to find the perfect life-partner. NRIs also post their profiles in the hope of finding a girl or boy back home. Such marriages fall into a peculiar genre – arranged by oneself but love marriage of sorts. The prospective partners exchange mails, meet and fall in love and decide to go ahead and tie the knot. But the initial meeting is not incidental but initiated.

There is a plethora of these matrimonial sites – some are global in reach while others are state or community specific. While almost all of them entertain free membership, most useful features are withheld for paid members. However, these costs are very nominal compared to the service rendered.

The concept has caught on and will become increasingly popular. Just glance through all the success stories posted on these matrimonial sites and you will know for yourself. These marriage portals are here to stay