In a remarkable twist to a traditional Indian wedding custom, a bride in Rajasthan made her grand entry on horseback, a role traditionally reserved for the groom. The event, held in Churu city, has garnered widespread praise for its progressive message of gender equality.
The practice of a groom arriving on horseback, known as Bindori in Rajasthan, is deeply rooted in cultural traditions. However, this time it was the bride, Monica Saini, who took center stage, riding a horse through the streets. Her father, Manoj Kumar Saini, a resident of Ward 6, shared that the decision was made to challenge gender stereotypes and send a powerful message of equality.
“We wanted to celebrate our daughter with the same pride and honor as a son. It’s high time we stop differentiating between genders,” he said.
The family’s decision was a collective one, with Monica’s brother, Yash Saini, emphasizing their goal of inspiring societal change. “Monica is the second of four sisters. Ahead of her wedding to Hemant Saini from Ratnagarh, we decided to have her lead the Bindori procession, symbolizing progress against gender discrimination,” Yash explained.
The unconventional Bindori procession was met with enthusiasm by locals and wedding guests. As the bride rode through various locations, the gesture was lauded as a step toward breaking stereotypes and embracing gender equality.
While this unique twist in tradition made headlines, it isn’t the first time a bride has taken on the role of riding a horse in Rajasthan. Similar acts have been celebrated in the past, indicating a growing acceptance of such progressive changes in Indian society.
This event serves as a powerful reminder of how small acts can challenge entrenched norms and inspire conversations around equality. With such gestures gaining traction, the hope for a more inclusive and equitable society continues to strengthen.
