Palanpur: Widows presence in auspicious functions like wedding is considered unlucky and is still a taboo in society.
But Gujarat businessman Jitendra alias Jitu Patel set an example by trashing the so called old believe by inviting widows to his younger son’s wedding.
According to Indiatimes reports, this merchant of Gujarat invited 18,000 widows from five districts of north Gujarat to bless his son Ravi and his bride.
“It was my heartfelt desire that the couple should be blessed by widows, who are mostly neglected by the society.
Their presence is considered a bad omen at auspicious functions but I wanted to prove that all these beliefs are nothing but superstitions,” Jitubhai told TOI.
A blanket and a sapling were also presented to every widow as a gift with a promise that they would carefully nurture the plant. A milking cow was also given to around 500 widowed women who have few or no means of livelihood with the intention that they become self sufficient financially.
“I can hope of earning a decent livelihood now that I have a cow. I never expected getting so much importance after becoming a widow,” said 55-year-old Hansa Thakore of Vijapur town in Mehsana district.