Social Customs

Marriage: — Arranged, love, inter-caste. Dowry (illegal, persists). Regional variations (Kerala: Thalikettu, Punjab: Anand Karaj).
Birth: — Annaprashan (first food), Mundan (first haircut), Naming ceremonies.
Death: — Cremation (Hindu, Sikh), Burial (Islam, Christian), Towers of Silence (Parsi).
Caste: — Endogamy, subtle discrimination (Art 17 abolishes untouchability).
Gender: — Patriarchal norms, changing roles (education, laws like Hindu Succession Act 2005).
Hospitality: — Atithi Devo Bhava (Guest is God).
Dress: — Saree, Dhoti, regional attire.
Food: — Vegetarianism, fasting, regional cuisines.
Festivals: — Diwali, Eid, Christmas, regional (Onam, Bihu).
Constitutional Articles: — Art 15 (non-discrimination), Art 17 (untouchability), Art 21 (dignity), Art 25-28 (religious freedom, social reform).
Landmark Cases: — Lily Thomas (bigamy), Shayara Bano (Triple Talaq unconstitutional), Sabarimala (women's entry unconstitutional).
Modernization: — Urbanization, education, globalization impacting customs.
UCC: — Uniform Civil Code debate (Art 44).
Vyyuha Mnemonic: — MARRIAGE (M-Marriage types, A-Arrangement, R-Regional variations, R-Rights, I-Inter-caste, A-Amendments, G-Gender roles, E-Evolution).

Use the MARRIAGE mnemonic to recall core subtopics under marriage customs quickly:

M — Marriage types (Arranged, Love, Inter-caste)
A — Arrangement processes (Family involvement, consent)
R — Regional variations (Kerala, Rajasthan, Punjab examples)
R — Rights & laws (Dowry Prohibition Act, Hindu Marriage Act)
I — Inter-caste challenges & initiatives
A — Amendments & reforms (e.g., Hindu Succession Act 2005)
G — Gender roles & status within marriage
E — Evolution & modern influences