In Pakistan, whenever the topic of marriage proposals comes up, a familiar scene immediately comes to mind: a drawing room filled with women, soft laughter in the background, and a neatly arranged tray or trolley carrying cups of tea, biscuits, and samosas. This is our well-known “Chai Trolley Culture.”
But the real question is, how long will this continue? Is it simply a harmless tradition, or has it become an unnecessary source of pressure for young women?
The chai trolley culture dates back to a time when a girl’s upbringing was largely measured by her domestic skills, especially hospitality. When families used to come to “see” a prospective bride, they were not just observing her appearance; they were silently judging her environment and manners. Who made the tea? How were the cups arranged? How confidently did she serve the tray? Even the smallest details were scrutinized.
Today, however, times have changed. Women are pursuing higher education, building careers, launching startups, and creating strong professional identities. Yet, despite this progress, the chai trolley remains an unspoken “test.” Comments like, “She made very good tea,” or “She was shy and polite, we liked that,” are still commonly heard.
But rarely does anyone ask: What are her dreams? What are her goals? What does she want from life?
Over time, the chai trolley culture has turned into a subtle judgment system where a girl’s character, upbringing, and abilities are weighed against a single cup of tea. But can a person’s value truly be determined by how well she serves tea? Should her worth depend on how neatly she presents a tray?
It is time for society to understand that respect and meaningful relationships are built on mutual understanding, equality, and shared values, not on tea-serving rituals. Every woman deserves to be recognized not for her ability to serve guests, but for her capabilities, ambitions, and individuality.
We are living in a digital age, an era of equality and empowerment. In this modern world, the needs of marriage and matchmaking are evolving. Platforms like the Dil Ka Rishta VIP reflect this change by giving equal importance to women’s preferences and choices. It empowers them to express their likes and dislikes openly and gives them an equal voice in making one of the most important decisions of their lives, marriage.
Traditions may hold sentimental value, but progress demands fairness. The future of relationships should not revolve around a trolley of tea, but around respect, compatibility, and shared dreams.
