Kerala Christians Plagued By Dowry Practice

Kochi – Dowry practice, one of the social evils prevalent in India, is common in Hindu marriages. However, lately, much to the dismay of Church leaders in Kerala, the practice of dowry is making its presence in the Christian community as well.

In fact, according to news reports, despite a high literacy rate, Kerala continues to be one of the epicenters of dowry practice in the country.

In this mad scramble of trying to imitate the well off in the matter of dowry and splurging for the wedding celebrations, it's the middle class, which is bearing the brunt.

"Personally I am against dowry, but then if I want to marry my daughter to a decently good family and if they demand a dowry, then it is definitely a problem," said a parent Eliyamma Vijayan.

Marriage brokers are also party to this practice, which seems to have spread its influence into every community and sections.

"The existing market rates for doctors, engineers and government employees are above 10 to 20 lakh rupees. People in fact tell us that professionals deserve to get this much," says Wences Laus, a marriage broker.