Sangli couple replaces wedding rituals with charity

Kolhapur: A wedding in Ishwarpur, Sangli district, has become the talk of the town, not for its opulence, but for its commitment to social reform and simplicity.Suraj and Madhumita didn't just exchange vows; they managed to save Rs2 lakh by eliminating unnecessary wedding expenses — funds they have pledged to donate to social causes. The ceremony was rooted in the ‘Satyashodhak' tradition, a method pioneered by social reformers Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule. This progressive approach rejects traditional practices like checking horoscopes favour of logic.To ensure their compatibility, the couple used a questionnaire devised by Narendra Dabholkar's Maharashtra Andhshraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (ANiS)."We tackled one question every day for two months, deliberating on our thoughts before concluding we were a perfect match," said Suraj Urmila Sunil. "The questionnaire covered everything from gender equality to views on menstruation — topics often considered taboo. Once we were certain, we had to convince our parents."In a bold move against the caste system, both Suraj and Madhumita have dropped their surnames, which often carry caste-based baggage. They now use their mother's and father's names as their middle and last names."Since both our parents are well-settled, they were willing to spend lavishly. However, we insisted on paying for the wedding ourselves," said Madhumita Shobha Arjun, who hails from Shevgaon in Ahilyanagar district. "We convinced our parents to instead donate their intended wedding budget to projects we've identified, ranging from tree plantation to manufacturing biodegradable cotton pads."The couple opted for a simple registered marriage, followed by an engagement at Madhumita's home. In a symbolic gesture, their parents planted saplings using water from the Godavari and Krishna rivers.The celebration at Suraj's hometown was equally unique. The duo developed various themes with social messages to keep guests engaged. The event was entirely plastic-free. Instead of the traditional akshata (throwing colored rice), guests were invited to leave their thumbprints on a canvas.Since the wedding took place on March 8, International Women's Day, the couple gifted female guests saplings and bags made from recycled saris.