In These Gujarat Villages, Sister Marries Bride To 'Protect Brother'

In a bizarre tradition, tribals in villages of Surkheda, Sanada and Ambal in Gujarat follow an unusual rule of marriage in which instead of the groom, his unmarried sister participates in the ceremonies on behalf of the groom, all to “protect” his life, NDTV reported.

As unusual as it sounds, the groom is instructed to not attend his own wedding. His unmarried sister or any unmarried woman from his family takes his place in the rituals and represent him. The groom stays at his own home with his mother, while his sister takes the 'barat' (wedding procession) to the bride's door, marries her and brings her back.

“All the rituals that a groom traditionally does is conducted by his sister. She takes the 'mangal phere' with the bride instead of her brother”

“All the rituals that a groom traditionally does is conducted by his sister. She takes the 'mangal phere' with the bride instead of her brother,” says Kanjibhai Rathwa, local resident, Surkheda village. “This practice is followed in three villages here; it is believed that if we don't follow this custom then some harm will befall,” Rathwa added.

According to Ramsingbhai Rathwa, the village head of Surkedha village in the district, if the people don't obey the practice, something unfortunate happens, always. “A couple of times some people have tried to not follow the tradition and it is seen that either they end up with broken marriages or their family life does not get well or several other types of problems also arise,” he says.

The groom might now attend his own wedding, however, dresses up in 'sherwani', wears a 'safa' on his head and carries a traditional sword, only to be at home.

The groom might now attend his own wedding, however, dresses up in 'sherwani', wears a 'safa' on his head and carries a traditional sword, only to be at home. It is said that the male deities of these villages were bachelors and in order to show respect to them, the villagers keep the groom at home. Pundits approve of this unique tradition, and believe it is part of their folklore which had been followed by the tribes since forever.

According to the tribals this custom is followed to protect their men from harm.

Feature Image Credit: NDTV

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