UP groom declines Rs 31 lakh dowry, says it is bride's 'father's hard-earned money'

In Muzaffarnagar, an area where dowry transactions have continued discreetly despite the law prohibiting them, a groom’s conduct earlier this week attracted widespread appreciation within the locality.

Awadhesh Rana, aged 26, declined a dowry of Rs 31 lakh that had been arranged by the bride’s family for the tilak ceremony. Instead, he accepted only Rs 1 as a token offering. According to a report by the Times of India, the amount had been placed on a ceremonial plate by the bride’s relatives, but Awadhesh stepped forward, bowed before it and handed it back.

He told those gathered, “I have no right to take this. This is the bride’s father’s hard-earned money. I cannot accept it.” Onlookers were briefly taken aback before applauding his decision.

His parents supported him immediately, and members of the bride’s family were visibly relieved. Following that moment, the remainder of the wedding proceeded without strain. Customs including the jaimala and kanyadaan were carried out in a calm atmosphere. The bride, Aditi Singh, aged 24, departed for her marital home later that day, and several villagers remarked on the groom’s stance, calling it an example worth noting.