Often marriages in India are arranged by the parents and other relatives of the bride and groom. Some estimate that 90% of Indian marriaged are still arranged. Customs surrounding arranged marriages vary greatly depending on location and traditions. Some arranged marriages are sought outside of one's own area while others prefer to marry within the same village. Arranged marriages can involve brides and grooms who do not meet until their wedding, but other times both parties know each other well. Most of the time arranged marriages are set up to link two people within a similar caste (see diagram).

Read more about arranged marriages.

In "Lagaan" Bhuvan and Gauri fall in love and decide to get married. However Bhuvan makes it clear that his mother must approve of the girl that he choses. Gauri mentions that she will have henna on her hands before the year is out. This refers to the custom of mehndi designs on the bride's hands which denotes prosperity and love (and makes the bride feel like a princess!)

You can practice making your own mehndis with these designs and instructions.