Raipur– The village of Rajagaon in the Kondagaon district of Chhattisgarh upholds a remarkable tradition where the birth of a daughter is celebrated as a joyous occasion. In this village, daughters are seen as a divine gift rather than a burden. The community comes together to support these daughters’ education and marriage expenses.
When a daughter is born, the villagers contribute essential items for her future marriage, which are handed over to the family head. These items include ration supplies, cash, and clothing, ensuring a smooth wedding without financial hurdles.
In line with the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (Save the Daughter, Educate the Daughter) campaign, the Rajagaon Panchayat treats every daughter in the village as their own, disregarding caste and religious differences. The collective effort of 355 families in Rajagaon enables the support and well-being of every girl in the village.
The village community offers help according to their means and status. The gram panchayat arranges wedding essentials such as tents, decorations, electricity, chandeliers, and refreshments. Affluent households in the village provide furniture, including beds, sofas, and cupboards, for the daughter’s new life. People from nearby villages also contribute by offering monetary assistance. The panchayat even has its band, which performs at weddings free of cost.
Sarpanch Shyam Batti Netam explains that this tradition has been passed down through generations, and the villagers take pride in its continuation. They aim to alleviate fathers’ burdens and challenges during their daughters’ marriages. The entire village actively ensures their daughters’ successful marriage, fostering a sense of unity and support within the community.