A Dalit groom in Madhya Pradesh’s Damoh district took out a horse-mounted wedding procession for the first time in 75 years in his village. The incident took place in Kuankheda village of Patera tehsil, where Nandu Bansal from the Bansal community rode a horse through the village streets amid music, dancing and celebrations.
What made the procession even more symbolic was that the groom was holding a copy of the Constitution of India in his hands while riding the horse. As drums played and relatives danced, the moment turned into a powerful assertion of equality, dignity and constitutional rights.
Community members said the procession was not just a wedding ritual but a matter of self-respect. “This was about our dignity. Holding the Constitution showed that we are equal citizens of this country,” a member of the Bansal community said. They also thanked the police and local administration for ensuring that the procession passed peacefully without any trouble.
The groom’s family had earlier expressed fear of possible opposition from influential villagers. On Wednesday, members of the Bansal community, along with the SC Mahasabha, submitted an application to Superintendent of Police Shrut Kirti Somvanshi, seeking protection for the horse-mounted procession. They said there was apprehension that some people might try to create disturbances.
Taking the request seriously, the SP directed the Hata police station to maintain law and order. On Wednesday night, Patera Tehsildar Umesh Tiwari and police personnel reached the village and held talks with the groom’s family and other villagers. During the discussions, villagers from other communities assured the administration that they had no objection to the Dalit groom taking out the procession.
Following this, the wedding procession went ahead smoothly on Thursday. Groom Nandu Bansal performed rituals with his family before mounting the horse, after which the procession moved through the village under police presence.
SC Mahasabha president Akash Bharti said, “The SP extended full support, due to which the procession was conducted peacefully. The police and administration cooperated at every step.”
The groom’s brother, Jeevan Bansal, said the event should become an example for the future. “Such harmony and brotherhood should always remain in the village so that everyone can live with dignity and mutual respect,” he said.
