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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.
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 the media 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, the bride's father found his daughters demand ridiculous but later he was convinced. The family 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 -- 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 -- 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 have proper toilet facilities... If not, then this idea will help us," said one girl.
Lauding the inspiring step by Chaitali, Sulabh International, a non-government body, on Sunday announced Rs 10 lakh cash award for her.
While making the announcement, noted sanitation expert and mentor of Sulabh International Bindeshwar Pathak termed Chaitali as a great inspiration and a messenger of sanitation.
Appreciating the step of the rural woman, Pathak saw it as an impact of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's campaign which motivates common people towards need of sanitation. He announced to honour her soon with 'Sulabh Sanitation Award' carrying a cheque of Rs 10 lakh. "I see it as an achievement of Modi when his government is completing one year in office," Dr Pathak said.
Image: Representation purpose. Photograph: Reuters