Items are passed with the right hand or both hands. The joint family system is quite common. In a joint family system father, mother, children and their families live together in the same household. The presiding male of the family has significant influence over the lives of all family members. The elder members of the family grandfather and grandmother etc. are highly respected.
Arranged marriages are still a standard tradition.
First the couples are formally engaged that may last for few months followed by proper wedding. Traditionally marriage is viewed as a union of two families as much as a union of two people. Both families participate in the wedding preparations. Wedding rituals are elaborate, and men and women celebrate separately. The food is generally spicy and oily.