Muslim woman performs kanyadan of her 'daughter'

VADODARA: Sonal Dabgar's kanyadan ceremony on Thursday could have been yet another of the thousands taking place across the state in this marriage rush. But, it was different, one that warmed the hearts of those present as her 'Muslim' mother performed the kanyadan, teary-eyed and full of warmth for the Hindu girl she brought up as her own daughter.
It was only after Zubeida Indawala, who brought up Sonal, 22, did the kanyadan that Sonal's biological parents - Laxmi and Lalji Dabgar - followed as this unique wedding in Naswadi, 90 km from here, set an example of bonding that transcended religion or caste.Zubeida was joined by her husband Haroon during the kanyadan.
Sonal has stayed with Zubeida since she was a three-month-old baby when her parents came to Naswadi in 1987. And, she remained the elder daughter of the Indawala household even after a son was born to Haroon and Zubeida.
"Religious differences never came in between our relationship. She knows both the Gita and the kalmas. She keeps roza and also enjoys Navratri. She refused to leave us and go to her Hindu parents even during the riots in 2002," says Zubeida.