As drums played and relatives danced, the wedding procession became a moment of collective pride for the Bansal community, reflecting its demand for equality and respect
NEW DELHI — In a powerful assertion of dignity and constitutional rights, a Dalit groom in Madhya Pradesh’s Damoh district rode a horse during his wedding procession holding a copy of the Indian Constitution.
The groom, Nandu Bansal from the Bansal community, undertook the symbolic act to underline that the law of the land guarantees equal personal and religious freedom to all citizens, regardless of caste.
As drums played and relatives danced, the procession became a moment of collective pride for the community, reflecting its demand for equality and respect.
According to media reports, this marked the first Dalit wedding procession in the village in 75 years.
The incident stands in contrast to similar events in states such as Gujarat and Rajasthan, where Dalit grooms have reportedly faced violence from upper-caste groups for riding horses during weddings. Members of the Bansal community said the Damoh procession demonstrated that Dalits are equal citizens of the country and that the gesture was a matter of self-respect.
“This was about our dignity. Holding the copy of the Constitution showed that we are equal citizens of this country,” a community member was quoted as saying.
Ahead of the procession, members of the Bansal community, along with the SC Mahasabha, submitted an application to Superintendent of Police Shrut Kirti Somvanshi seeking protection, citing fears of possible disturbances. The SP directed Hata police station to ensure law and order.
A police team, along with Patera Tehsildar Umesh Tiwari, visited the village to verify the wedding programme and assess local sentiment. Villagers from other communities reportedly assured the administration that they had no objection to the Dalit groom’s horse-mounted procession.
The wedding procession went ahead peacefully on Thursday, with police deploying adequate security to prevent any untoward incident.
Community members thanked the police for ensuring a safe and smooth ceremony.
The groom’s brother, Jeevan Bansal, also expressed gratitude to villagers for maintaining harmony. “Such brotherhood should always remain in the village so that everyone can live with dignity and mutual respect,” he said.
