In a country where live-in-relationship is a taboo and couples in such relationships crave for social acceptance, Jharkhand that registers abundant tribal population has taken a big leap towards bringing them in to mainstream by institutionalising their relationships. The step taken in favour of live-in-couples (Called Dhuknis in Jharkhand) will aid in removing the socio-economic disparity that often creates complexity not just for such couples but for their offspring primarily.

In a mass marriage ceremony organised by Jharkhand State Livelihood Promotion Society (JSLPS) in collaboration with NIMITTA, an NGO over 45 couples in live-in-relations tied the knots with their partners for gaining social recognition here in Capital City on Saturday.

The journey for most of them was full of challenges and hardships. The couples belonging to Sarna and Christian communities who came from six panchayats of Khunti district stated that not merely poverty but different social barriers had compelled them to shy away from marriage.

Interestingly, couples falling in the middle-aged category (40-45 years) also got married along with others to secure their kids’ future. Besides the grooms, brides too confessed their community adversities who all have craved hard to get out of this.

Notably, women living with their male partners without marriage are the worst suffers from sociological perspectives in live-in-relations and are addressed as ‘Dhukni’ (a woman who enters a household without getting married or performing any social ritual with a man).

“Apart worldly worries and social problems, I am getting married following rituals considering my son’s future, so that he leads a dignified life. Earlier, due to weak financial position, I and my partner were helpless. Social acceptance will aid us in different ways,” said Mariyam Tuti (38) who was here to wed a man with whom she is in relation since last 10 years.

Similarly, another live-in couple belonging to Sarna Community, Basant Singh Munda and Channvi Munda mentioned that their after marriage traditions are very elaborate which requires hefty sum, until villagers who attend the marriage ceremony are not fed well, marriages are not considered to have taken place.

“Poverty has confined us from taking matrimonial vows. Now marriage will serve all are requirements well especially in context to different government schemes, we both are entitled to.” said Basant Munda, a father of a 10-year-old girl and a two years old boy.

The live-in-culture that has mushroomed among tribal population in a considerable way and is considered to be the part of Adivasi customs, even then in such circumstances, the ethnicity of proper marriage ceremony sustains and has much significance.

“Social approval is mandatory but often due to poverty and other constraints, couples do not realize the importance of marriage. After facing challenges, they realize its value. During our survey, we have found out that live-in-couple faces much more hurdles then the married couples particularly when it comes to government schemes, said, Secretary NIMITTA, Nikita Sinha.

JSLPS officials said on defined parameters and after studying different sociological barriers, all these live-in-couples have been identified and brought here for mass marriage ceremony. Eligibility (age) as defined by government, polygamy by-laws, annual income of all selected live-in-couples have been taken into account predominately.

NHIDCL MD NN Sinha, Nikita Sinha, JSPSL CEO Paritosh Upadhyay and other eminent persons were present on the occasion.