Groom’s father refuses ₹1.21 lakh dowry in Sagar:Accepts coconut and ₹11, urges bride’s family to invest money in younger daughter’s education

In a heartwarming gesture from Sagar district, a family refused to accept dowry during a wedding, setting a strong example for society. The incident took place in Kishangarh village of Rehli Tehsil, where the groom’s family returned ₹1.21 lakh offered during the engagement ceremony. Only token gift accepted The engagement ceremony was held on April 25. During the ritual, the bride’s father brought ₹1.21 lakh in cash along with other customary items.
However, when the amount was formally offered, the groom refused to accept it. His father, Kamlesh Patel, instead accepted only ₹11 and a coconut as a symbolic gesture, returning the remaining amount to the bride’s family. Wedding of Guddu Patel and Sadhna Patel The wedding took place on April 26 between Guddu Patel, son of village sarpanch Mayarani and Kamlesh Patel, and Sadhna Patel. Sadhna’s father, a resident of the Tili area in Sagar, earns a livelihood by driving an auto-rickshaw. She is the second among his three daughters. “Marriage is a bond, not a transaction” Kamlesh Patel, the groom’s father, said he had long resolved not to accept dowry. “I have two sons and no daughter. I always believed I would bring home a daughter as my daughter-in-law,” he said.
He added, “Many well-cultured families hesitate to arrange marriages due to the burden of dowry. That’s why I decided I would not take even a single rupee as dowry in my son’s wedding.” Bride’s family initially taken aback Kamlesh Patel shared that when he returned the money, the bride’s father initially became anxious, thinking the groom’s family might be upset. However, once the reasoning was explained, he became emotional.
“Marriage is a relationship, not a deal. I have gained a daughter, and he has gained a son. If this money is used for the education of his younger daughter, it will benefit her future,” Kamlesh said.