Match made in algorithms

Matrimonial services have existed in India since time immemorial. Of course, the pot-bellied Brahmin with a jhola of prospective suitors has given way to various websites and apps. From dating to matrimonial listings, these days, the internet has it all. 

The subject has limited scope, which is why most matrimonial services look and feel the same. But then comes Banihal. Banihal, available both as a website and an app, has tried to do things differently. 

The interface is clean and clutter-free. I used both the app and the website and I found them to be blazing fast and easy to use. 

All matchmaking websites use algorithms, but Banihal goes a step further and tries to come up with a match that best suits your psychological profile. 

When signing up, you would be asked various questions comprising the usual ones such as educational background and religion. These will be displayed on your profile. But then you'd be asked to answer questions that would help give insight into your personality. These answers are hidden and will only be used to come up with suitable recommendations. 

Once the sign-up process is complete, you'd be directed to your profile and be presented with your first recommendation. The recommendation is based not only on your basic information, but also the hidden questions you answered. Of course, you won't be able to see your match's answers either. 

To help find better matches, you can also click on the Research tab and fill up the various tests under it. The questions range from how you would act in a social gathering to whether you have a short temper.  

After getting recommendations, you can choose to message them through Banihal. The app makes sure your contact details are hidden.

Banihal provides you with the unique way of finding a partner, who is mentally compatible with you — a feature that most matchmaking services ignore. 

The app is available on both iOS and Android.