A heated argument between two families over bride’s refusal to cover the head with the ‘pallu’ during the engagement ceremony led to cancellation of marriage in Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh.
The 24-year-old girl-Varsha Sonawa, who is a labour inspector with the Madhya Pradesh government was to marry Vallabh Pancholi in Ratlam.
During the engagement ceremoney, she was sitting on the stage, when Vallabh’s mother Radha Devi, asked her to cover the head with the pallu.
Varsha told Vallabh’s sister, Chhaya, that she (Varsha) would cover her head only if her father says so. There was altercation and the row continued for several hours. Varsha’s father KL Sonawa said that his daughter knew well how to conduct herself well and she only would decide (covering the head or not).
This led to the arguments that ultimately took both the families to the police station.
After several hours, the families decided to cancel the marrigae. Both the sides gave a written statement to the police that the dispute over covering head led to the situation, and if the marriage is solemnised, the relation would not last long because of this incident.
Subsequently, the ‘baraat’ left Ratlam.
