Maharashtra bride takes a toilet as wedding gift

A toilet stole the show at a traditional Maharashtrian marriage in Akola.

The prefabricated toilet with a water closet, a wash-basin and mirror standing around one foot above the ground, was the wedding gift from the bride's parents since the bridegroom's family did not have one in their home, reports the local media NDTV.

A few weeks ago, when Akola resident Chaitali D Galakhe's marriage was fixed with Devendra Makhode of Yavatmal, she was alarmed to discover that her in-laws' home did not have a toilet.

"At the time of finalising the marriage, I had no idea, but later I found that my in-laws home had no toilet. I discussed the issue with my parents and sisters in detail," Chaitali told mediapersons after her unique wedding present was unveiled before the invitees on Friday evening.

The farmer's daughter made a one-point demand to her family: "I am not interested in a television, refrigerator or a washing machine or gold jewellery as a wedding gift... I only want a ready-made toilet which I can carry to my in-laws home."

Initially her father Dilip Galakhe found the demand ridiculous and thought she had gone bonkers, but later he was convinced. It was decided to "make her happy" by fulfilling her wish before marriage.

A pre-fabricated toilet was ordered for Chaitali from a local manufacturer which costs Rs.18,000 (Tk 22100) -- around the cost of a medium TV, fridge or washer.

A local volunteer for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Swachha Bharat Abhiyaan, decided to chip in -- "I have built it and given it to the family for only Rs.12,000 (Tk 14700)-- only recovering the actual costs," he told the media.

Though the Glakhes apprehended ridicule by the villagers and scorn from the in-laws' side, the 'toilet gift' turned out to be most admired present at the wedding with the guests 'oohing, aahing' after inspecting it inside out.

Local girls who attended the marriage ceremonies from both sides said they were "hugely inspired" by Chaitali's courage in making the toilet demand.

"Several of us are planning to get married soon and we shall enquire whether the boy's side has proper toilet facilities. If not, then this idea will help us," said one girl.