A tribal marriage with a difference

Rajesh, who works with Orissa police, and Sarita Soren of Nuadih had decided to marry without putting any dowry burden on the bride`s parents to set an example against dowry.

When Sarita reached her in-law`s village yesterday the marriage was solemnised after offering food to bride`s relatives and friends who had accompanied her.

Rajesh`s parents offered motor bike, fridge, water cooler, gold ornaments and clothes to their daughter-in-law and solomnised "Bidai" (departure) ritual of their son and daughter-in-law to bride`s house, setting a new custom in the tribal society.

When Sarita returned to her village, the villagers welcomed the couple with their traditional dance, beating of drums and "madal".

Rajesh, after his marriage with Sarita told the guests that greedy tribal youths and parents should fight against the evil pratice of dowry in their society.