The movement to support and propagate gender equality is slowly but steadily gaining momentum. Whether it's organisations or individuals, the fight to see men and women as equals will persist. Hopefully, until a day comes when the need itself doesn't exist.Till then, let Neha Khichar deliver her message far and wide.
This bride, who is an IIT graduate and currently working as an official with Indian Oil at Mathura refinery, recently dressed up in a sherwani and rode a horse in a pre-wedding ritual called 'Bandori'. But it was more than a ritual - it was also an instrument that played out the theme of gender equality, which was fully supported by Neha's family.The acts of wearing a sherwani and riding a horse have been reserved for grooms since time immemorial. But with Neha and other brides subverting age-old norms, the change is welcome.
The wedding took place in Nawalgar in Rajasthan's Jhunjhunu district. And as expected, Neha's pre-wedding ritual came as a surprise to many."With this initiative, we want to convey the message that girls and boys should not be differentiated. Like a groom is made to sit in a horse for Bandori, we are making the bride do the ritual," said Neha's sister to ANI.
"My family wants to send a message that one should never differentiate between daughters and sons and should provide them with equal opportunities," Neha told ANI.
very effort counts and that's why Neha's ritual assumes importance in an age where women are not only shouldering tasks designated to men but are even going a step further. Neha's effort may be a symbolic gesture to that end but it was in no way a small one. What's even better is that she's not alone in this, her family is standing by her, tall and strong. Now, that's what change looks like.
Weddings can be stressful and brides are allowed to have some fun. Remember the bride who went viral for dancing to Sia's Cheap Thrills in hot pants? Well, we now bring you another no-shy bride who danced to her heart's content on a groovy Punjabi number.This video posted on Instagram account design_aqua_studio shows Rashika, an about-to-be-wed bride letting off some steam before her big moment. She breaks into a belly dance and also pulls off some cool desi moves.
Captioned, "She has trained in classical dance for 16 years! Check out Rashika killing it on her wedding day dancing on one of my favourite numbers,” the post has received over 6 lakh views so far.
Moral of the story? Don't feel shy or let the taboos bring your spirit down. If you want to dance in your choli and jeans, by all means, do it! You have full freedom to dance your way from single life to married one. Just make sure you make a video and share it with us.
