In a moving display of integrity, a 26-year-old groom from Muzaffarnagar refused a dowry of Rs. 31 lakh at his wedding, choosing instead to accept just Rs. 1 as shagun.
The bride, 24-year-old Aditi Singh, and her family—still grappling with the loss of her father during the Covid-19 crisis—had arranged the money on a ceremonial plate for the tilak ritual.
But when groom Awadhesh Rana stepped forward, he folded his hands, bowed before the plate, and gently pushed it back. “I cannot take this. It is the hard-earned money of the bride’s late father,” he said, leaving the guests momentarily speechless before admiration rippled through the gathering.
Awadhesh’s parents stood firmly behind him, and Aditi’s family responded with heartfelt gratitude. What could have been a tense moment turned into one of warmth and pride as the ceremonies—from the jaimala to the kanyadaan—unfolded smoothly. Aditi eventually left for her new home with dignity and a bright smile, as villagers hailed the groom’s gesture as a powerful stand for equality and a clear rejection of dowry expectations.
Locals say Awadhesh’s public act—returning the money with folded hands—has become a talking point across the district, inspiring many. “This wedding is now seen as a shining example of pushing back against harmful traditions,” one villager remarked.
Speaking to reporters, Awadhesh, who runs a cosmetics business in Nagwa village, reiterated his commitment: “On November 22, Aditi’s family offered Rs. 31 lakh, but we refused. We do not believe in the dowry system.”
Aditi’s mother, Seema Devi, originally from Rankhandi in Saharanpur district, has been raising Aditi and her son Anubhav alone since her husband Sunil Singh passed away during the pandemic. The siblings have been living with their maternal grandfather, Sukhpal Singh, in Shahabadindpur. Aditi completed her MSc before her grandfather arranged her marriage with Awadhesh—an alliance now celebrated for its humanity and courage.
Also Read: 19-year Old Woman Ends Life Due To Dowry Harassment From Husband In Ludhiana https://www.vibesofindia.com/19-year-old-woman-ends-her-life-in-dowry-harassment/
