Newlywed bride returns to parents' home after in-laws demand bike in dowry in Odisha

Gone are the days when the Indian bride was an epitome of coyness, naivety and blind devotion. Today’s modern Indian bride knows exactly what she wants and has the guts to stand against patriarchal norms and rules. She doesn’t let the situation dampen her spirits rather she boldly fights challenges with courage and valour. Just like this newlywed bride from Odisha who returned to her home after her in-laws demanded a bike as dowry.

According to reports, the marriage of Devaki Digal, a native of Baliguda in the tribal-dominated Kandhamal district, was fixed with Arjun Digal on June 9. On the scheduled date, Devaki and Arjun’s wedding was solemnised as per rituals and Devaki went to her new home.

However, in her new home, she was welcomed with a demand for a bike leaving her shocked and surprised as her husband and in-laws had not put forth any demands before their wedding.

On listening to their demand, Devaki showed unbelievable courage and straight away walked out of the marriage by removing her bangles and mangalsutra (sacred thread) and returned to her father’s house.

Devaki said, “They wanted the bike not me, so I didn’t want to stay there.” 

Devaki said that her engagement was held two years before, but during this period neither the groom nor his family had put forth any dowry demand despite repeated inquiries.

But when the groom said about the bike after the wedding she was stunned. She said, "I know my family's condition and they can’t afford the bike and if they give it to me, they will have to give my other siblings as well. So, I walked out of the marriage without any qualms or regret."

On the other hand, the groom’s family denied the claims of the bride and said that they don’t want dowry and only want their daughter-in-law.