Dowry's New Face: 'Gifts' Mask Illegal Demands in Modern Indian Weddings

• Dowry, though illegal, persists in Indian weddings, rebranded as "gifts" to circumvent direct demands.
• Groom's families use indirect pressure, stating "give what you wish to your daughter," creating unspoken expectations.
• Expensive items like cars, gold, and cash are exchanged as 'gifts,' driven by prestige and social pressure rather than genuine affection.
• Bride's families often spend significantly more, taking loans to maintain social status and avoid community judgment.
• This 'gift' system is prevalent among the educated and in cities, amplified by social media displays, and exploits legal loopholes making prosecution difficult.

Why It Matters: Dowry continues to burden families, cleverly disguised as 'gifts' to bypass laws and social scrutiny.