Puri: In an effort to raise awareness regarding the value of marriage, hundreds of girls from Subudhi Patana village near the Kakatpur area in Odisha’s Puri district hosted a doll marriage during the Kumar Purnima festival.
One of the girls taking part in the event expressed that their doll marriage serves as a platform to spread awareness against the dowry custom. She went on to explain that it also serves as a means to promote the significance of marriage; encouraging people to nurture enduring bonds and stay away from divorces.
Another girl stated that the tradition of doll marriage is being practised in the village for more than six years now. From the marriage procession to the ceremonial rituals, they meticulously reenact all aspects of a wedding during this event, she added.
A local resident said that through doll marriage, the girls are spreading a message to oppose dowry system. They are also trying to raise awareness around dowry harassment and divorce, he added.
PNN