Overseas marriages: The course of events from marriage till abandonment

An exploratory study on overseas marriages was conducted in all four districts of Doaba region of Punjab. It was endeavored to trace the course of events from settling the marriage till abandonment. The study found that marriages were settled by friends and relatives with no prior meeting of bride with groom and within two weeks time. The parents of brides spent lakhs of rupees on marriage ceremonies which were solemnized in marriage palaces. It was noticed that 13.33 per cent of such marriages were not registered. More than half of NRIs went back within 20 days after marriage and three fourth never called back their brides. At overall level, 58 per cent got conceived and just 10 per cent succeeded in going abroad to join their husband.