One of my close friends, a Sindhi Indian, is getting married in December so we’ve been pretty busy with her dowry shopping.
The required items are:
For Herself
4 Pieces Of Jewelry (with 5 diamonds in a carat)
4 Pieces Of Jewelry (with 8 diamonds in a carat)
2 Watches (1 diamond one and 1 Rolex)
1 2 carat tennis bracelet
5 Rings
1 Solitaire pendant
Small Bracelets
2 Main Sets for the wedding
3 Small Sets
1 Full Make-Up Set
6/12 Shalwar Kameez’s
6/12 Sarees
6/12 Lehengas
6/12 Sets of Bedcovers+Bedsheets
6/12 Perfumes
6/12 Jeans
6/12 Tops
6/12 Formal wear
6/12 Lingerie Sets
6/12 Purse & Shoe Sets
For Her Fiance
Bracelet
3 Carat Ring
Watch (A Rolex, preferably)
6/12 Shirts
6/12 Pants/Jeans
6/12 Pairs Of Shoes
For Her Mother In Law
1 Gold Set
For Her Father In Law
1 Ring (must have 9 diamonds however small/low the carat/quality)
1 Bracelet
For Her Sisters/Brothers In Law
Anything Gold
For Her Fiance’s Close Relatives
Something Gold
For Her Fiance’s Relatives
12/24 Unstitched Shalwaar Kameez Material/Dupattas (a total of)
Anyway.
The reason why I mentioned that she’s a Sindhi Indian is because I’m told that this form of dowry exchange is strictly Sindhi Indian tradition (and maybe just those in this part of the world). Also, I’m not too sure which of this is compulsory or not (except for everything in amounts of 6/12).
I’m wondering whether or not you know how it works in other subcultures around the subcontinent.
Note: I’m not trying to start a debate on whether or not you believe in the whole concept of dowry, or on families in India, Pakistan, or Zimbabwe who’ve had to murder their children or their future in-laws because of it.
I dont know much about the jewellery part, but regarding dresses, its a tradition to make an odd number of dresses for the brides dowry...You can make 7, 9, 11, 13, 15 etc, but not 8 or 10. Its considered bad luck, Ive heard. This tradition is followed mainly in Sindh and Punjab.
That's very interesting, Akif. I've never heard that before. I was very curious to find out why my friends must always get their dowry things in multiples of six, too. None of the few I've asked know why it's done that way and neither do their parents. I was kind of hoping someone here might have an explanation for it.
I am afraid you are right Zulaykha. Such tradition is popular amongst Sindhis. Affordability of it is must though. There has been a change as those who can not afford can do without it but the glamour of the weddings seem to be fading without them. The dresses part is way far more than yoru friend is requiring and the gifts to Parents arent gold these days. Simple a shalwar kameez works well. A lil more explanation; In Sindh's classical tradition prevalent amongst Muslims, girls get equal quantity of gold if not more, and other things from boy's side as well. One of the dulhan I know had 100 dresses from her inlaws and 5 full sets of gold.
Dowery list mentioned in this thread is from a super-rich familiy, I calculated with approximate prices and this list adds to over a 50 lakhs of rupees. Obviously not every family can afford such lavish dowery.
