This IIT-Graduate Bride Dressed In A Sherwani And Rode A Horse To Promote Gender Equality

The movement to support and propagate gender equality is slowly but steadily gaining momentum. Whether it's organisations or individuals, the fight to see men and women as?equals will persist. Hopefully, until a day comes when the need itself doesn't exist.

Till then, let Neha Khichar deliver her message far and wide.

This bride, who is an IIT graduate and currently working as an official with Indian Oil at Mathura refinery, recently dressed up in a sherwani and rode a horse in a pre-wedding ritual called 'Bandori'.?

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But it was more than a ritual - it was also an instrument that played out the theme of gender equality, which was fully supported by Neha's family.

Also read:?No-Shy Indian Bride Belly Dancing On Her Wedding Day Is Winning A Lot Of Hearts On The Internet

The acts of wearing a sherwani and riding a horse have been reserved for grooms since time immemorial. But with Neha and other brides subverting age-old norms, the change is welcome.?

The wedding took place in Nawalgar in Rajasthan's Jhunjhunu district. And as expected, Neha's pre-wedding ritual came as a surprise to many.

"With this initiative, we want to convey the message that girls and boys should not be differentiated. Like a groom is made to sit on a horse for Bandori, we are making the bride do the ritual," said Neha's sister to ANI.

"My family wants to send a message that one should never differentiate between daughters and sons and should provide them with equal opportunities," Neha told ANI.?

Also read:?Breaking All Stereotypes, This Bride Leads 'Baraat' To Groom Waiting At Marriage Hall In Patna

Every effort counts and that's why Neha's ritual assumes importance in an age where women are not only shouldering tasks designated to men but are even going a step further. Neha's effort may be a symbolic gesture to that end but it was in no way a small one. What's even better is that she's not alone in this, her family is standing by her, tall and strong. Now, that's what change looks like.