Marriage loralai
Marriages take place at a relatively high average age. There are various reasons for this. One is the institution of Vulvar (bride price) which is paid by the bridegroom before or after his marriage, sometimes in instalments in the shape of money or property or exchange of women. The average bride price extends from 120,000 to 150,000 depending on the age, status and beauty of the girl. The result is that males who cannot afford to pay vulvar have to wait for marriage. Concession in vulvar is however allowed in marriages of near relatives. After the settlement of vulvar, the engagement takes place in a single ceremony at the house of the parents of the bride in the presence of relatives of both parties. A date is then fixed for "Nikah" and marriage ceremony. After marriage the bride is taken to her new home. On this occasion dance and music are arranged and gun shots are also fired.
Due to old customs the role of women is very limited. It is generally the father who decides upon the formal terms of marriage, though they may be influenced to greater or lesser degrees by their wives, who’s female networks remain vital in providing information about the girl and her family. Daughters have no say in the contract of their marriages, while the sons exercise a certain veto power over the choice of marriage partner, depending upon the son’s economic independence.
Although provisions in Islamic Shariat law allow the women to accept or turn down the marriage partner, the local customs prohibit this. However, changes can be noticed in urban areas where the educated girls may express their unwillingness for a match. There is still a tridation of polygamy in rural areas of the district.
Marriages with near relations, although not always the rule, is preferred because exchange can easily be arranged, the bride price is less, the parties are already mutually acquainted and their mutual relations are strengthened by the marriage tie.