Farhana Yasmin: Society and civilization are manifested through culture.  Because culture is the symbol of human existence and the flower of civilization.  Just as a tree can be recognized by its fruit, so can a society be identified by its outline of culture.  One of the most talked about issues in the world is globalization.  This has become the main focus of world sociologists.  This is an all-encompassing process.  Renowned theorist and sociologist Ronald Robertson called it the world`s contraction and interdependence. The current world is the world of information technology.  This advancement in information technology has brought an opportunity to the world community to start the process called globalization. In fact, the economic, social, political and cultural interdependence of each part of the world with the other is the key to globalization.

Globalization has also added a new dimension to culture.  The mentality that existed in human culture a few decades ago is no longer noticeable.  With the change of time and globalization, people are welcoming the new culture and saying goodbye to the old one.  In the same way, there has been a huge change in the marriage culture.

Before we get to the basics, let`s go back a few decades from today  In the 80`s or 90`s, Muslim or Hindu marriage in Bangladesh was very different from today`s ceremony  At that time, relatives were the chief guests at the wedding, followed by neighbors and friends.  The ceremony was held at home  Those who lived in rented houses, their marriages took place in the house of a relative or neighbor, on the roof or in the yard  In Muslim marriages, the marriage ceremony used to start from yellow  Yellow was not given then with upatana like today  As usual, raw turmeric was distributed, along with the song - "Halud Bato, Mehedi Bato".  On one side the song is playing, on the other side raw turmeric and mehendi leaves are being cut

After that, a banquet was held on the roof or in a large field next to it  Gifts were given to the newlyweds as much as they needed in their domestic life  The decoration of the bride was also common  Flowers are plucked from the yellow tree and decorated with it  Ordinary cotton or jamdani sari 6  Benarashi sari on the wedding day, a little snow powder, Kajal eyes.  The burden of arranging the bride fell on the one who knows how to decorate well among relatives or neighbors  This is the gathering of relatives and neighbors at the wedding, but they would share the work themselves  They even tied towels around their waists and went down to serve food  As a result, in a family where the marriage of a daughter would reduce the pressure on them  The extravagance of spending money on marriage was not so obvious  But there was no lack of joy  Every girl`s life is full of happiness on the wedding day, she looks like a queen. At that time the girl in that outfit was satisfied  her  dream would not be broken.

But the picture is changing in the current decades.  Many buildings and apartments have been built in the cities of Bangladesh.  Many people are forced to rent community centers as space is not available as before that can be, of course But the problem is elsewhere With the influence of Hindi serials and Bollywood, many elites are starting a new culture Yellow Night, Mehndi Night, DJ Song. The same situation is in Hindu marriage Earlier in Hindu marriages, the girl was bathed with turmeric.  Now there is a separate ceremony in yellow, henna is worn in a separate ceremony. And going to the parlor is compulsory.  Not only the bride, but also the groom and relatives of the two families, friends and acquaintances. There is dancing all night long with yellow Hindi songs on it. Then there are bridal shows, photography, videos, reception party.  Due to digital advancement, this culture is spreading not only in the cities but also in the villages. Gradually the marriage culture is losing its life.  And this marriage culture is drowning in artificiality.

At present, wedding ceremonies in Bangladesh have become a matter of human dignity  Nowadays, there is a competition as to who can organize the wedding and spend the money  But how much is actually needed?

The question is, has the level of happiness increased than before?  We don`t think so.  Because many of the invited guests may not know the bride and groom.  Moreover, many parents become destitute in the competition to spend so much money. They look at the face of their daughter or son, that is, the treasure of their breasts - so they want to use it.  But is there any need for this?  Does arranging a small wedding with one`s family, relatives, friends hurt one`s dignity or nobility?  How many cows and calves were slaughtered, how many people were invited, who keeps track after marriage?  Rather, it is the blessing of the people closest and preferred that is most needed  And if parents are really rich, then this special moment of life can be made more memorable through bigger, better deeds!

Due to globalization we are constantly moving away from our own traditions and culture.  So think twice before arranging a gorgeous wedding and change your outlook.

Author: Farhana Yasmin is a Student at Barishal University. She can be reached at farhana.soc.bu@gmail.com