Bride leads baraat in Surguja, groom becomes ghar jamai

Mainpat | Desk: In the Surguja district of Chhattisgarh, a unique matrimonial tradition, one that defies social norms, was recently witnessed. While it is customary for the groom to lead a wedding procession (*baraat*) to the bride's doorstep, the village of Supalga in the Mainpat block presented a scene quite to the contrary. Here, a bride from the village of Paiga arrived at the groom's home herself, accompanied by a full wedding procession and musical fanfare.

Upon the completion of the wedding rituals, it was the groom who underwent the traditional 'farewell' ceremony (*vidai*) and departed for his in-laws' home to live as a *Ghar Jamai* (resident son-in-law).

This entire episode revolves around the family of Mohan Ekka, a farmer residing in Paiga. Mohan Ekka has four daughters and no sons. Seeking support in his old age and someone to oversee his agricultural activities, he was in search of a son-in-law who would be willing to reside permanently at his home.

With this objective in mind, he arranged the marriage of his daughter, Devmuni Ekka, to Bilasus Barwa, a resident of Supalga. The young man's family also wholeheartedly accepted this proposal.

This historic wedding took place on Wednesday, notably without any exchange of dowry between either party.

The bride's father clarified that he made this decision keeping in mind the needs of his family and the future of his daughters.

He stated that he intends to treat his son-in-law just as he would a son. According to residents, while traditions such as *Chumawan* are prevalent in their customs, the spectacle of a bride leading a wedding procession followed by the groom's departure has become a major topic of conversation throughout the region. Following the wedding feast held that night, the bride returned to her own home, taking her wedding procession and her groom along with her.