The institution of marriage in Indian society has historically been regarded as a sacred union, particularly within Hinduism, where it is considered a 'sanskara' (sacrament) rather than merely a social contract. Traditionally, it was viewed as indissoluble, meant for procreation, dharma (righteous conduct), and spiritual fulfillment, with family and community playing a central role in its arrangement. However, in contemporary Indian society, while the 'sacred' aspect still holds significant cultural and emotional weight for many, its practical manifestation and societal understanding are undergoing considerable transformation.

Arguments for Continued Sacredness:

1. Ritualistic Importance: Marriage ceremonies across various religions in India remain deeply rooted in elaborate rituals, prayers, and traditions, emphasizing spiritual vows and divine blessings. This ritualistic grandeur reinforces its sacred character.
2. Family and Community Involvement: Even with the rise of love marriages, family approval and community acceptance often remain crucial, highlighting the collective, rather than purely individual, nature of the union.
3. Emphasis on Permanence: Despite increasing divorce rates, the ideal of a lifelong, indissoluble union continues to be cherished by many, with divorce often carrying social stigma.
4. Procreation and Lineage: For many, marriage is still primarily associated with procreation, continuing the family lineage, and fulfilling familial duties, which are seen as sacred responsibilities.

Arguments for Diminished Sacredness/Transformation:

1. Rise of Individual Choice: The increasing prevalence of love marriages, inter-caste, and inter-religious marriages signifies a shift towards individual autonomy and choice over traditional familial and community dictates. This challenges the notion of marriage as solely a family-arranged sacred duty.
2. Increased Divorce Rates: While still lower than in many Western countries, divorce rates are rising, and divorce is becoming more socially acceptable and legally accessible. This directly challenges the traditional view of marriage as an indissoluble sacrament.
3. Legal Framework: Marriage is increasingly viewed through a legal lens, with laws governing registration, divorce, alimony, and property rights. This contractual aspect, emphasizing individual rights and obligations, often overshadows the purely sacred dimension.
4. Live-in Relationships: The growing acceptance and legal recognition of live-in relationships as an alternative to formal marriage indicate a move away from the necessity of a sacred, formalized union for companionship.
5. Changing Gender Roles: Women's education, economic independence, and changing aspirations are altering power dynamics within marriage, leading to more egalitarian expectations that sometimes clash with traditional, patriarchal interpretations of sacred roles.
6. Consumerism: Modern Indian weddings often involve extravagant spending and display, sometimes prioritizing material show over spiritual significance.

In conclusion, the institution of marriage in India is in a state of flux. While the deep-seated cultural and emotional reverence for marriage as a sacred bond persists for a significant portion of the population, particularly in traditional settings, it is simultaneously being reinterpreted and challenged by modern values, individual aspirations, and legal realities. It is evolving into a complex blend of sacred tradition and secular contract, where individual agency plays an increasingly prominent role.