Groom market in Bihar: This market in Madhubani sells grooms for a price

Patna: In ‘Pellayana Kothalo’ movie, Sunil sells bridegrooms under the name Hi-Tech Marriage Bureau. Isn't it strange to hear that bridegrooms are bought like vegetables in the market? But... did you know that such a market exists in real life? A groom market is held every year in the Madhubani district of Bihar. The sale of these grooms is held for nine days every year under the trees in the local market area. They say that this tradition dates back to 700 years.

Locals call this method ‘Saurat Sabha’. People belonging to the Maithil Brahmin community from across the district bring their daughters to this market. They will be given the opportunity to choose, whoever they like.

Thousands of bridegrooms and their family members come to this market. Traditional dhoti, kurta and T-shirts are worn by grooms. The rate is fixed for them based on their assets and educational qualifications.

Before buying a bridegroom, the girl's family members check his qualifications and family background. They also ask for date of birth and school certificates. After the groom is chosen by the bride, both the families will take up other formalities.

The marriage is arranged by the girl's family. Locals say that this tradition is coming from the time of the Karnath dynasty. Raja Harisingh had started this tradition to conduct marriages between people of different gotras. On the other hand, others said that the aim of this market is to settle marriages without a dowry.