Latest update:28 November 2025, 10:22 IST

Locals say the incident has become a point of discussion across the region, with many describing it as a rare but strong anti-dowry stance.

AI generated image used for representation

Although dowry taking is illegal, there are still many parts of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh where the practice continues quietly. At one such place in Muzaffarnagar, a young groom’s decision sparked admiration across the region.

During a wedding earlier this week, 26-year-old Awadesh Rana rejected a dowry worth Rs 31 lakh offered by the bride’s family. Instead, he accepted just 1 rupee as a cashier.

The bride’s relatives had neatly arranged the money on a ceremonial plate for the tilak ritual, but Awadesh came forward, bowed before him and returned the amount, according to a report by the Times of India.

He told those present: “I have no right to take this. This is the hard-earned money of the bride’s father. I cannot accept it.” For a moment, the audience was taken aback before bursting into applause.

Awadish’s parents immediately supported his decision, and the bride’s family was touched by this gesture. As the tension eased, the rest of the ceremony continued smoothly. Rituals like ‘jaimala’ and ‘kanyadaan’ were performed in a warm and dignified atmosphere. The bride, Aditi Singh, 24, later left for her new home with smiles and overwhelming support from the villagers, who praised the groom for being a role model.

Locals say the incident has become a talking point across the region. Many described it as a rare but strong anti-dowry stance. They said Awadish’s action sends a clear message that this practice has no place in modern marriages. One villager noted that the wedding was now seen as a “widely celebrated example of the rejection of harmful social customs.”

Speaking to TOI on Thursday, Awadish, who runs a cosmetics business in Nagwa village, confirmed his belief.

“During our wedding on November 22, my wife Aditi Singh’s family was giving Rs 31,000 as dowry, but we returned it because we are against the dowry system,” he said.

Aditi’s mother, Seema Devi, originally from Rankhande in Saharanpur, lost her husband Sunil Singh during the Covid pandemic. Since then, Aditi and her younger brother Anubhav have been living with their maternal grandfather, Sukhpal Singh, in the village of Shihabuddinpur. Aditi completed her master’s degree before her marriage to Awadesh was arranged.

Anushka Vats

Anushka Vats is a sub-editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. It covers national and international news. For more stories you can follow…Read more

Anushka Vats is a sub-editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. It covers national and international news. For more stories you can follow… Read more

Read more