UP groom turns down ₹31L dowry, wins hearts in Muzaffarnagar

India Nov 28, 2025

Awadhesh Rana, a 26-year-old cosmetics businessman from Nagwa village, made headlines after he refused a massive ₹31 lakh dowry at his tilak ceremony on November 22.
Instead, he accepted just ₹1 as a symbolic gesture.
Awadhesh explained, "I have no right to take this. This is the bride's father's hard-earned money. I cannot accept it."
His parents stood by him, and the bride's family felt relieved.

Why are people talking about this?

Dowry is still common in many places—even though it's illegal—so Awadhesh's move sparked real conversations in Muzaffarnagar.
Locals see his stand as a hopeful sign that younger generations are ready to challenge old traditions.
Many praised him for taking a step against an unfair practice that has hurt families for years.