Widow Remarriages Are Still Stigmatised In India, Why?

Normalising remarriages in India is quite a task even though it is important. Remarriage, divorce and live-in relationships are frowned upon with equal dislike by society. Even if the course is changing, it does not come without its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to widow remarriages.

As a society, it took us decades to not subject a widowed woman to oppressive practices. Despite that in pockets of India, these practices continue and stigma around being a widow—especially if a woman is young—still lingers. Hence widow remarriages are also frowned upon. Indian society also recognises the value of having a companion; even the Supreme Court had directed the Union government to frame schemes promoting widow remarriage.

It is ironic that, in spite of such provisions, widows are frowned upon when they decide to move on and attempt to start over. But that did not deter Sandipan Chakraborty’s resolution to marry his partner Anwesha who was a widow.

The couple met through a dating app in 2019; Anwesha on the very first meeting had informed Sandipan about her being a widow and he was amazed by her courage. He remarks, “Very few people have the courage to put forward their realities and I knew with her things would be different.”

Suggested Reading: Why Are We Still Uncomfortable With The Idea Of Widows Finding Joy And Meaning In Life?

He told SheThePeople about how they became good friends before pursuing a romantic relationship. Over one Christmas week, the two went on a spontaneous trip to snow-gaze and things progressed for their relationship when Sandipan asked Anwesha to marry him.

Recalling about the moment, he says, “Anwesha expressed concerns that my family won’t accept her. But I just wanted to give us a shot. It was not easy for my family to accept that I was marrying a widow, however, they supported my decision.”

Suggested Reading: Hindi Films That Focus On The Struggle Of Young Widows To Break Free Of Stigma

He stuck his ground and with support from family and friends, the two got married on March 2, 2020, in a small private ceremony. Speaking about their relationship and marriage of two years he remarked that it was not easy but his love for Anwesha made him stand by his belief.

While speaking about their wedding he said, “We had a small wedding but we also broke stereotypes. The stigma around marrying a widow needs to go because love does not see all of that. We can always give love a second chance.”

Watch their story here.