Tackling the practice has proven to be challenging.
Marriage is widely seen as a sacred bond, symbolising love, unity, and commitment.
However, in certain parts of India, this notion takes a dark and unsettling turn with the practice of ‘Pakadua Vivah.’
Unlike the traditional pomp and celebration associated with Indian weddings, this custom brings with it tales of coercion, deceit, and, in many cases, lifelong emotional trauma.
At its core, ‘Pakadua Vivah’ involves the abduction of grooms and their forced participation in marriage ceremonies.
This practice, predominantly reported in Bihar and neighbouring states, has alarmed human rights activists and sparked debates about its socio-economic roots.
The name ‘Pakadua,’ derived from the Hindi word for ‘to catch,’ aptly summarises the plight of the men involved.
This practice is not a relic of ancient history but a grim reality for some families facing financial constraints.
The tradition continues to thrive in the face of dowry demands, patriarchal structures, and societal pressures.
For many, it represents an attempt to evade the crippling economic burden of providing dowry in conventional arranged marriages.
DESIblitz delves into the world of ‘Pakadua Vivah,’ exploring its origins, motivations, and the devastating impact it has on individuals and society.
What compels families to resort to such measures? And what does this say about the wider socio-cultural fabric of India?
Origins
The roots of ‘Pakadua Vivah’ can be traced back to the economic and cultural challenges faced by rural communities in India.
Bihar, a state with deeply entrenched traditions and financial hardships, is often identified as the epicentre of this practice.
Historically, the custom emerged as a countermeasure against the rising dowry demands imposed by prospective grooms’ families.
In many communities, a groom with a stable job or prestigious social standing often commanded a hefty dowry, making marriage an unachievable goal for families with limited means.
Instead of succumbing to the financial strain, some families devised an unorthodox solution: kidnapping eligible bachelors and forcing them to marry their daughters.
While this may sound extreme, it was viewed by some as a necessary evil to ensure a woman’s societal security and acceptance through marriage.
Moreover, the practice reflects broader gender inequalities and the value placed on women’s marital status in Indian society.
Women who remain unmarried face significant stigma, adding pressure on families to ensure they are wed—even if it requires drastic measures.
How ‘Pakadua Vivah’ Happens
The execution of a ‘Pakadua Vivah’ often unfolds in a highly orchestrated manner.
First, families target eligible bachelors, often based on their financial stability or professional achievements.
Young men employed in government jobs are particularly sought after.
Grooms are then kidnapped by a group of individuals hired by the bride’s family.
This often occurs under the guise of social events, work meetings, or even during travel.
Once abducted, the groom is brought to a pre-arranged location, where he is coerced—often under the threat of violence—into completing wedding rituals.
To prevent the groom from fleeing, the bride’s family may immediately register the marriage legally.
This makes it harder for the groom to contest the union later.
While the groom’s consent is absent, societal norms and the involvement of local authorities often complicate their attempts to escape the marriage.
Pakadua Vivah in Popular Culture
The severity and prevalence of ‘Pakadua Vivah’ have not gone unnoticed.
The practice was so rampant in Begusarai during the early 1990s that it became the inspiration for the 2010 film Antardwand.
The film, which won a national award, brings the grim reality of forced marriages to the screen, offering a stark portrayal of the coercion, emotional trauma, and social pressures involved.
Antardwand vividly depicts the life of a young man who is kidnapped and forced into marriage.
Drawing directly from true stories like those from Begusarai, the film highlights the emotional torment of grooms caught in the practice of ‘Pakadua Vivah,’ trapped by both legal and societal pressures.
Through its gripping narrative, the film helps shed light on how deeply entrenched social norms and the dowry system contribute to such extreme measures.
Socio-Economic Factors
Understanding the persistence of ‘Pakadua Vivah’ requires an examination of the socio-economic backdrop that sustains it.
Despite being outlawed in India, the dowry system remains a deeply ingrained practice.
Families unable to meet exorbitant demands often see forced marriages as a cost-saving alternative.
In rural areas, financial instability exacerbates the struggle to secure alliances through traditional means.
This makes unconventional practices like ‘Pakadua Vivah’ more prevalent.
The societal pressure to marry daughters—regardless of the circumstances—stems from patriarchal ideals that equate a woman’s worth with her marital status.
In many cases, local authorities are complicit in the practice, either turning a blind eye or actively supporting it for personal gain.
Efforts to Combat ‘Pakadua Vivah’
While ‘Pakadua Vivah’ is widely condemned, tackling the practice has proven to be challenging.
Several measures have been proposed and implemented with varying degrees of success.
Indian law prohibits forced marriages, yet the enforcement of these laws remains weak.
Greater vigilance and accountability are required to deter offenders.
NGOs and activists have launched initiatives to educate communities about the legal and ethical implications of ‘Pakadua Vivah.’
Providing financial support and employment opportunities to rural families can reduce the economic pressures that drive this practice.
Combating patriarchal norms and the dowry system is crucial to addressing the root causes of forced marriages.
Encouraging gender equality and valuing women beyond their marital status can bring about lasting change.
‘Pakadua Vivah’ is a stark reminder of the socio-economic inequalities and gender disparities that persist in India.
While the practice may seem absurd or shocking to outsiders, it reflects the desperate measures some families take to navigate oppressive societal norms.
Addressing ‘Pakadua Vivah’ requires a multi-faceted approach, combining legal reforms, socio-economic development, and cultural change.
By shedding light on this troubling practice, we can hope to foster a society where marriages are based on mutual respect, love, and consent—free from coercion and fear.
The stories of those affected by ‘Pakadua Vivah’ serve as a call to action for policymakers, activists, and communities to create a more equitable and just future for all.
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