HUBBALLI: The husband-wife duo of Jyothiba and Savitribai Phule sparked a revolution in 19th century Maharashtra, crusading relentlessly against caste system and advocating literacy for women. They questioned the prevalent customs of marriage, made a strong case for weddings to be reduced to spartan affairs to ensure the ceremony did not turn into a financial burden for the families involved and were vociferous proponents of inter-caste marriages.
Inspired by the couple’s life and revolutionary zeal, four inter-caste couples set to tie the knot in the next few weeks have decided to mark the special occasion by distributing a copy of Savitribai Phule’s biography. Furthermore, the Constitution will serve as the document on which they will swear fealty to their marriage vows.
It was not easy for Dakshayani and Muttu Biliyali to obtain the consent of their respective parents to their match. While, Biliyali is a member of a Dalit community, Dakshayani hails from an upper caste family. However, after overcoming many hurdles, the couple is set to wed on Tuesday in Gadag.
“Our wedding is being organised by the Bhava Sangama Vivaha Vedike, Ladai Prakashana and Dalit Kala Mandali. We follow the principles of Buddha, Basavanna, Ambedkar and the Phules. Invitations of our wedding were printed on small cards on writer Dr HS Anupama’s book ‘Kranthi Jyothi Savitribai Phule’,” the couple told TOI.
Vasant and Sanjana Mallesh Narayanapura, set to enter matrimony on January 3, have decided to felicitate five pourakarmikas and Covid-19 warriors on their special day, said the groom’s relative Anand Shindagi. “Buddha Vandana will mark the beginning of the wedding rituals, which will be held in the presence of Janaprakash Swamiji of Sri Urilinga Peddi Mutt of Mysurum Nijagunanda Swamiji of Tontadaraya Shakha Mutt in Mundaragi. We will have revolutionary songs being played on the occasion,” Anand said.
Organisers of these wedding ceremonies, Basavaraj Sulibhavi and Sharief Biliyali said that the choice of the date for the special occasion – January 3 – was deliberate. “It is Savitribai Phule’s birth anniversary. Savitribai’s biography has become popular in the region with many couples being influenced by the Phules’ revolutionary principles. Most of these weddings are being held in Gadag,” the duo said.
Although the other two couples are yet to finalise the date of the wedding, Sulibhavi and Sharief said that they were, nevertheless, committed to the idea of having a simple ceremony.