8. Dowry
Traditionally, at the time of marriage, a family said goodbye to their girl with gifts mainly in the form of gold jewellery. This was called Stree-dhan: the property of the woman. However, with time, the practice changed. Families started paying dowry in cash, properties, and even education, to the groom, as a sign of gratitude for taking responsibility of their daughter. This illegal, shocking rituals in India practiced by people irrespective of their religion, is not only demeaning for the woman getting married as her value is measured in terms of money, but puts a great deal of financial pressure on the family. Many brides are killed or tortured for dowry, while their helpless families commit suicide.
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