A young lawyer in Gujarat, India, recently celebrated his wedding in a way that challenged long-standing social norms. Mukesh Parecha, 33, comes from a community that has historically faced discrimination. For his wedding procession, he requested and received an unusually large police escort due to concerns about potential opposition.
Parecha wanted to participate in a “varghodo,” a traditional groom’s horse ride. However, no one from his community in Gadalva village had ever done this before. Because of this, he feared negative reactions from upper-caste groups in the village. Consequently, he asked the police for protection to ensure his safety.
The police took his concerns seriously. They provided 145 officers, including a police inspector and three sub-inspectors, to guard the wedding procession. Parecha explained in his request to the police that he believed an incident was possible since he would be the first from his community to have a varghodo. This level of security highlights the social tensions that still exist in some rural areas.
Parecha’s decision to proceed with the traditional ceremony was brave. It challenged the established customs and social order of the village. The successful completion of his varghodo, under heavy police protection, is a significant event for Gadalva.
The event also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for social equality in India. While the wedding procession took place without any problems, the need for such a large police presence shows that there is still work to be done. Everyone should be able to celebrate their traditions without fear of discrimination or violence.