Today, both types can be found throughout the country but it is the arranged marriage that predominates. However, the love marriage method has been gaining much acceptance over the years perhaps due to the influence of western culture. There are instances, however, of a couple not seeing each other for the first time until the ceremony begins. Eloping may occur between a couple that are not thought to be a suitable match, such as different castes. Though not much of an option in village life, is not unheard of in the larger more modern towns.
Castes are in many ways an extended family.
And there are cultural rules that dictate that one must marry into the same caste, but not the same family. There are many small villages today that are predominantly one family. Therefore it is common that a one must look to neighboring villages to marry. This explains why most village marriages are a marriage between one person from one villlage and the other from another village sometimes days apart. It also explains why marriages last many days as logistics and travel prevent a single day event.