Kashmir, known for its culture, food, nature and historical events. Marriage in Kashmir isn’t only a union of two souls who are meant to share a lifelong partnership; it’s more about an event of two families where all relatives and neighbours gather for fun and food. With a mixture of religion and culture, it’s a lifelong memory for families as well as couples.

As time goes on there has been a grave shift in family stability in post-marriage time that leads to either family instability or divorce. There are few major as well as minor consequences for this shift in social stability.
Financial stability of a family as well as a person who is getting married. If a person is getting married but doesn’t earn, even if he has good family financial conditions, it still is a problem for him. Before marriage his family spends a lot.
These gifts include gold, clothes, and even food, but after marriage their expectations become changed, resulting in arguments, fighting, and finally, either splitting of families or divorcing of couples. It is the same case with poor families, but in a slightly different way, where their marriages become compared with the rich, causing them to spend too much money, which causes problems and instability after marriage. The solution to this problem can be found when it comes to the age of getting married and also providing jobs to individuals. In Kashmir, if people get married at the age of 20 to 25, many things will change, as after marriage they will not be treated differently because they are still young, and thus they need some time to settle. A girl who is coming into a new family would be considered better than a girl who is already 30 . (A 30 girl, in my opinion, does not have bad behavior, but she has an understanding of everything and can make an opinion, but the new family will find it difficult to accept her opinion as she is new there).
Furthermore, delayed marriage exposes a deep-seated hypocrisy in our social fabric. When women marry later in life—often due to pursuing education or waiting for economic stability—they bring a wealth of maturity and independent judgment to their new families. Yet, traditional households frequently struggle to integrate brides aged 30 and above. The issue lies not in the behavior of these mature women, but in the rigid mindsets of in-laws who find it difficult to accommodate a woman who possesses her own voice and opinions
Equally essential is moral and emotional education. Successful marriages are not sustained solely through wealth or social status, but through patience, understanding, respect, and emotional maturity. Both men and women need guidance in communication, conflict resolution, and family responsibility. A society that values ethical conduct, empathy, and wisdom will naturally build stronger and healthier families.
Social reform must also become part of the discussion. Awareness campaigns, educational programs, and community dialogue can help reduce unhealthy competition surrounding weddings. Religious institutions, local committees, educators, and civil society groups should work together to encourage simpler marriages and healthier family values. Practical measures — such as limiting extravagant wedding expenditures and promoting community-based counseling — may help reduce unnecessary social pressure.
At the same time, the government has an important role to play by creating employment opportunities, supporting youth welfare, and introducing educational initiatives focused on social harmony, mental health, and family well-being. Schools and colleges should encourage balanced moral education that combines ethical, cultural, and social awareness.
The growing instability of marriages in Kashmir should not merely be viewed as a private matter between couples. It is a broader social issue that reflects changing values, economic struggles, and increasing materialism within society. Preserving the sanctity of marriage will require collective responsibility from individuals, families, communities, and institutions alike.
Kashmir has always been known for its warmth, resilience, and strong social fabric. If society chooses understanding over ego, simplicity over extravagance, and compassion over competition, many of these growing divisions can still be healed.
If Kashmir wishes to preserve the sanctity of marriage, society must learn to value character over consumption, understanding over status, and partnership over performance.

Email;---------------malikdayim41@gmail.com