A Shift in Tradition: Groom Returns Dowry in Jaipur Wedding

In a groundbreaking wedding ceremony in Jaipur, Rajasthan, the groom and his father made headlines by returning an 11 lakh rupee dowry offered by the bride's family. This act of rejecting traditional dowry practices has sparked widespread admiration and reflects a significant shift in societal attitudes. The groom, Shailendra Singh, and his father, Vijay Singh Rathore, have become symbols of change, inspiring others to reconsider the norms surrounding marriage. As younger generations increasingly view dowry with disdain, this event highlights a growing movement against such practices, suggesting a hopeful future for societal transformation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 27, 2026, 20:42 IST

Changing Attitudes Towards Dowry

Once again, the issue of dowry has faced a significant challenge, this time in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The groom's family refused to accept the dowry, marking a notable shift in traditional practices. In recent years, the trend of giving and receiving substantial cash gifts during weddings had been on the rise, but this is now beginning to change. Families of grooms are increasingly rejecting dowry offers.

A recent wedding in Jaipur exemplified this change. During the ceremony, the bride's father presented a cash gift of 11 lakh rupees to the groom, Shailendra Singh. However, both Shailendra and his father, Vijay Singh Rathore, graciously returned the amount. Their decision has garnered widespread admiration, with the bride's father moved to embrace his son-in-law in gratitude.

Praise for the Groom's Family

Vijay Singh Rathore, originally from Kishanpura in Churu district, now resides in Jaipur and is involved in the property business. His wife, Suman Shekhawat, is a teacher. Their son, Shailendra Singh, works as an accountant at Jaipur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited. Shailendra recently married Kanchan Shekhawat, the daughter of Surendra Singh Shekhawat from Jodhpur, on February 5. Kanchan holds an MSc and a B.Ed degree and has also cleared the NET exam.

Returning the Dowry

During the wedding, the bride's father, Surendra Singh Shekhawat, offered 11 lakh rupees as a gift to the groom. However, both Shailendra and his father respectfully declined to accept the dowry. By returning the gift, they sent a powerful message to society, which was met with heartfelt appreciation from the attendees. Surendra Singh was so touched by their gesture that he embraced his son-in-law.

A Societal Transformation

Traditionally, the issue of dowry has been significant in Rajput weddings in Rajasthan. However, there has been a growing movement against this practice in recent times. Even in districts like Barmer and Jaisalmer, which are often considered conservative, families are beginning to reject dowry. This change is not limited to the Rajput community but is spreading across various social groups, signaling a positive trend.

The younger generation is increasingly viewing the exchange of dowry during weddings with disdain. They are motivated to achieve success on their own terms. Recently, a Rajput girl in Barmer refused to accept dowry, opting instead to donate the equivalent amount to a hostel for girls in her community.

Another inspiring example emerged from Jhunjhunu, where a resident named Ramkishan conducted his son's wedding with just a symbolic gift of one rupee and a coconut. Upon the bride's arrival, Ramkishan and his wife, Krishna Devi, gifted her a car valued at 11 lakh rupees, making their wedding a topic of conversation.