Till now, you might have heard of a market for vegetables, fruits and groceries. But, a market for grooms is surely something that you make you feel weird.
But, it is true in a village in Bihar. Every summer, Saurath, an obscure village on the southern fringe of Madhubani in Bihar, turns into Alice’s Wonderland. Under the shadow of soothing ‘Pipal’ trees, thousands of Maithil youths with their guardians gather from far and near in search of brides they have never seen.
This market, that is organised for 9 days in an orchard is known as Saurath Sabha, Saurath Mela and Sabhagachhi. People from Maithil Brahmin community arrive in this market from all corners with their daughters. After finding an appropriate match, the girl’s parents get them married promptly.
It is a well-respected Sabha and marriages settled here are considered most sacred and best of all the systems of arranging a marriage. Registrars, locally known as Panjikars, play an important role in this fair.
Every boy, whether in traditional crimson dhoti and kurta, donning a paag (headgear) or in jeans and shirts, carries his price according to his qualification and social status.
The ritual began 700 years ago, it is said.