India’s underage brides wedded to tradition

Arts & Culture Culture, Arts, Literature & Linguistics
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**India’s underage brides wedded to tradition **
Thursday, May 17, 2007

*By Nita Bhalla *

DUSTY towns and villages turn into a brief riot of colour each year in the Indian desert state of Rajasthan as thousands of Hindu couples tie the knot and seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu.

Guests gather while grooms in colourful turbans and brides adorned with gold jewellery and wearing red saris walk around a sacred fire, pledging to protect each other. The festival of ‘Akha Teej’ sees life-long bonds forged - and many childhoods tragically cut short. Social activists say many of those getting married are children, sometimes as young as 10, forced into wedlock yet physiologically and emotionally unprepared to be a wife.

In Alsisar, about four hours drive north of the state capital Jaipur, 14-year-old Lalita Saini will soon go and live with her 19-year-old husband from a neighbouring village. “I was married around Akha Teej last year, but I don’t know my husband as I only saw him once at the wedding,” said the meek, pony-tailed little girl, a blue scarf draped over her head. “I didn’t want to get married, but I had no choice.” The festival, known more widely outside Rajasthan as Akshaya Tritiya, celebrates the birthday of the sixth incarnation of Vishnu, the preserver of life in the Hindu pantheon. …

Daily Times

I have no objections to these marriages. I believe people can marry once they reach adolesence. In the Pakistani culture, parents usually marry off their children quickly just to prevent them from commiting adultry.

But what’s the big rush in Hindustan?

Also, why is the legal age in Hindustan for girls to be eligible to get married is set at 18 and for boys at 21? Can’t men mature as fast as women in Hindustan or something?

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Re: India’s underage brides wedded to tradition

That's illegal under constitution.

If someone complains to local police and the incident is verified in court, parents will definately face prosecution.

Of course, we have a "vibrant" Police system, they can implement any law as per Junta's convenience as long as they get their "lifafa".:D

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Re: India’s underage brides wedded to tradition

not a world affairs topic

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Re: India’s underage brides wedded to tradition

I know very little about this whole issue I have to say. But from some of the things I saw when I went to pak, maybe the girls are better off after they marry? More food to eat, less mouths to feed? Life over there isnt remotely like life here, I mean we met the cutest little 12 year old who was a live-in cook and general household helper. He earned money and sent it to his family and actually earned more for his family than his father did. I dont agree with or like this whole thing but better to never go hungry i think.

Its not a problem of parents not caring about their little girls, its more of a societal/economic problem. Maslows heirarchy, right? First thing is to feed the family however you have to get it done.

Would be so much more constructive to work on economics, free public education etc than to berate parents for trying to ensure that their little girls get enough to eat....

sorry if I have it wrong, no offense intended. I'm basing my reply on my limited exposure to the problem...