Innovative Wedding Gift: Groom Receives 1000 Books Instead of Dowry

In a refreshing departure from traditional dowry practices, a groom in West Bengal has garnered attention for refusing dowry and instead receiving a remarkable gift of 1000 books from his bride's family. This thoughtful gesture not only highlights a growing awareness against dowry but also emphasizes the value of knowledge. The books, including works by famous Bengali authors and popular series like Harry Potter, were presented during the wedding ceremony, showcasing a unique approach to gifting. This story reflects a positive change in societal attitudes towards dowry and celebrates the joy of reading.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 28, 2026, 17:31 IST

A Unique Approach to Dowry in Indian Weddings

In India, dowry is a common practice during weddings, with some individuals demanding extravagant gifts and large sums of money from the bride's family. However, a shift in mindset is occurring as more people begin to oppose this tradition. Recently, during a wedding, a groom made headlines by refusing to accept any dowry from the bride's family. This decision was so well-received that the bride's family decided to surprise him in a remarkable way.

This incident took place in Midnapore, West Bengal, where a teacher named Suryakant was set to marry Priyanka Bej, also from Midnapore. Before the wedding, Suryakant had clearly stated to Priyanka's family that he would not accept any dowry.

Priyanka's family appreciated Suryakant's stance and decided to present him with a special gift. On the wedding day, when Suryakant arrived at Priyanka's home with his procession, he was astonished by the sight that awaited him. The venue was filled with books, as Priyanka's family had arranged approximately one thousand books as a gift for him.

The collection included works from renowned Bengali authors such as Rabindranath Tagore, Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, and Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, along with books from the Harry Potter series. These books were sourced from 150 kilometers away, and guests were encouraged to gift books instead of expensive items.

Valuable Gift of Knowledge

Books Worth One Lakh Rupees

Suryakant has a passion for reading, which is why his in-laws chose to gift him books. The total value of the books received by Suryakant and Priyanka is estimated to be around one lakh rupees. After the wedding, all these books were sent to Suryakant's home.