“How can a person who can’t even count money stay with me for life?” This was the question posed by the bride as she walked out of her wedding ceremony immediately after discovering the groom’s illiteracy and inability to count money following the garland exchange. This incident, which occurred in a village in Motihari, Bihar, has caused a stir. The situation escalated to such an extent that villagers detained the groom and his party overnight.

The situation was finally brought under control the next day with police intervention.

The groom’s procession had arrived from Kadambwa village in Ghorasahan police station area to a village in Patari police station area for the wedding. All wedding preparations, including food and dancing, were in full festive swing. However, immediately after the garland exchange, the situation took an unexpected turn. According to Indian wedding customs, after the garland exchange, the bride’s family gives the groom money to count. The groom, however, failed to count the money correctly, which proved to be the undoing of the wedding.

The bride immediately refused to marry the illiterate groom. Her decision instantly created tension at the wedding venue. The bride’s family and the villagers became enraged. They asked the groom, his father, his brother, and the rest of the wedding party to leave.

The situation deteriorated to such an extent that arguments continued between both sides throughout the night without any resolution. The villagers detained the groom and his party. Around Thursday noon, Patari police station in-charge Vineet Kumar received news of the incident and arrived at the scene with police forces. He attempted to mediate a discussion between both parties but, unable to reach a consensus, eventually arranged for the groom and his family to return home.

Patari police station in-charge Vineet Kumar stated that the police quickly arrived at the scene and managed the situation, preventing any untoward incidents. However, no written complaint was filed by either party.

This incident once again proves the importance of education in today’s modern age. As Vineet Kumar said, “Everything is incomplete without education.” In the 21st century, when an illiterate young man faces such a situation, the necessity of spreading the light of education becomes even clearer.