Weddings are such a big deal in India. Not only in terms of how extravagant the affair tends to be, but also because the celebration stands for more than the union of two individuals choosing to spend their life together.

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Every ritual holds a special meaning, they are supposed to add value to the newlyweds’ life and what they will build together. So, naturally, the tradition of presenting the newlyweds with a wedding gift also holds significance.

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It symbolises one’s wishes and hopes for the couple, and that’s why some of us tend to go all out to make wedding gifts as special and memorable as we can. But this family in Punjab decided to turn this age-old tradition into a means that could help the thousands of farmers participating in the Farmers’ Protest at the Delhi-Haryana border.

A Family Says No To Wedding Gifts, Keeps Donation Box For Farmers. #FarmersProtest2020#भारत_बंद_सफल_रहा #FarmBills pic.twitter.com/sT0dz0iQr8

Amid the ongoing protests against the new farmer laws, a family in Punjab’s Muktsar urged their relatives and friends to donate money for the protests instead of bringing wedding gifts. They set up a dedicated donation box at the wedding venue and people were requested to make generous donations. 

© Twitter/Dapinder Singh

In the video from the ceremony which has since been widely shared on social media, we can hear somebody announce that instead of paying shagun for the couple, please can donate for the farmers protesting in Delhi. The money collected will be used to provide food, warm clothes and other essentials to the farmers. 

This is indeed a benevolent gesture and we appreciate the intention behind it.

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