Bhiwani brides, cousins, perform ‘ghurchari’

Deepender Deswal

Tribune News Service

Hisar, January 28

Setting an example of gender equality, two cousin sisters belonging to the backward community rode mares to jointly perform the marriage ritual of ‘ghurchari’ in Bhiwani town on Tuesday evening.

‘Ghurchari’ (riding a mare to visit the local deity to offer prayers) is performed by grooms in Haryanvi society. The women who have broken the traditional shackles by riding a mare are set to marry two brothers in Sikar town of Rajasthan on Wednesday.

The brides — wearing a groom-like attire, complete with turban — went to offer prayers to the family deity located at some distance from their home.

There was no objection from any section of society or from any individuals, said the family of the brides.

The women — Kanchan, daughter of Manoj Kumar, and Monika, daughter of Manoj’s brother Harkesh Kumar — have done BSc from a local college.

Manoj said that they (both brothers) live in a joint family. The family and the brides wanted to ride mares during their wedding — a ritual performed by grooms in society. “So, we decided that we will fulfil our daughters’ wish and inspire others as well,” he said.

Manoj said Kanchan is set to tie the knot with Manish, an engineer while Monika will marry Manish’s brother Rahul, a businessman. He said the entire family is very happy. The grooms would arrive on Wednesday in Bhiwani when marriage rituals would be performed.