Keonjhar, May 15: A unique wedding ceremony in Odisha’s Keonjhar district has become the talk of the town after a groom was ceremonially sent to his in-laws’ house with household gifts and belongings, reversing the traditional custom of a bride’s farewell.

The unusual marriage took place at Chamunda village under Telkoi block. Lakshmi, daughter of Raya Dehuri from Banspal block, got married to Basanta, son of Panchu Pradhan of Chamunda village.

According to family members, Raya Dehuri has no son and both families had mutually agreed before the marriage that Basanta would stay as a “ghar jwain” (resident son-in-law) at the bride’s house after the wedding. Though the engagement ceremony was completed earlier, the groom’s father was initially reluctant to send his son directly to the bride’s home after marriage.

Later, both families agreed that the wedding would first be solemnised at the groom’s residence, following which the newlywed couple would shift to the bride’s house.

On the wedding day, the bride arrived at the groom’s house in a festive procession with music and lights. However, what drew maximum attention was the farewell ceremony for the groom. Just like a bride is traditionally sent off with gifts and household items, Basanta was bid farewell with a bed, kitchen utensils, and other household essentials.

Speaking on the occasion, the groom’s sister-in-law said the family decided to send the groom with all the items usually gifted to a bride during her farewell ceremony.

The priest who conducted the wedding said it was the first time he had performed such a ceremony in his life. He added that the marriage was conducted strictly according to traditional Vedic rituals.