MP: Dalit father defies bizarre diktat on bands to give daughter a grand wedding

The wedding took place with three inspectors and a dozen policemen keeping vigil.

A determined bride and her father broke an age-old diktat stopping Dalits from having a band during wedding processions in Mana village of Madhya Pradesh. Chander Meghwal, 45, and his daughter, Mamata, a student of class XII defied all odds to reject a decree imposed by the upper castes. With police protection and vigilant district administration, the Dalit family welcomed their daughter's groom with a grand band and all the makings of marriage procession.

The wedding that took place on Sunday created a new tradition in the village where the dominant upper caste community has decreed that no family of 'low social status' should have a band as part of their marriage procession. The diktat also audaciously states that "at best, they could have a dhol for musical accompaniment." Unwilling to compromise on his daughter's happiness, Chander Meghwal sought the district administration's help.

The family claims that some members of the upper caste threatened Chander of dire consequences if he tried to 'become their equal by hiring a full-fledged band'. The bride, Mamta stood her ground and refused to bow down to oppression. Reiterating their right to celebrate happy occasions in ways they deemed proper, she suggested that the family approach the district administration for help.

GS Dabar, the sub-divisional magistrate who received the family's petition told the leaders of the village's upper caste community that it was illegal to prevent anybody from hiring a band for their marriage procession. When threats continued to haunt the family, police were asked to provide protection. The family was then threatened of social ostracism. Unrelenting, the family hired a full-fledged band. The wedding took place with three inspectors and a dozen policemen keeping vigil.

While the bride said that she hoped for her sisters also to get a grand wedding like hers, the family fears social ostracism. They have defied an oppressive tradition and fear repercussions.

OneIndia News