A daughter’s elopement leads to a symbolic funeral—highlighting the painful clash between personal choice and traditional family honor in India.
In Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, a devastated family chose “honor” over their own daughter after 23-year-old Kavita Kushwaha eloped and married Sanju Malviya against their wishes. They performed her mock funeral—crafting an effigy, holding a full procession, and burning it at the cremation ground—as a symbolic disownment.
This heartbreaking act reflects the painful reality some families face: prioritizing societal norms and perceived honor over a child’s happiness and choice in love.
