UP bride in 'ghunghat' falls into well

Veiled threat

A newly-wed bride had a traumatic experience when she failed to see the well near her house due to the veil she was wearing, and fell into it while on her way to answer the call of nature.

The incident occured in Uttar Pradesh’s Raebareli district about 90 kilometers from here.

Fortunately, the well was dry and the bride survived. But she had fractured her legs besides sustaining injuries on other parts of her body.

According to reports, Anita Devi, who got married barely a fortnight ago, was walking towards a nearby field with other women of the family early on Sunday.

There was a well a few meters away from the house but Anita, who was in her ghunghat (veil), could not see it and fell into it.

The women, who were accompanying her raised an alarm following which other members of the family reached there and managed to bring Anita out after much effort.
Condition stable

Anita was rushed to the hospital for treatment where she was stated to be stable. Her husband Rajendra said that she had sustained injuries on her legs and other parts of body.

In several societies, especially in the rural areas, a married woman ought to be in a ‘ghunghat’ to hide her face from all older men in the family.

The purpose of the veil, according to the sociologists, is to limit the woman’s interaction with other men.

Even in modern times, the system is prevalent in several parts of India, especially in the rural areas. It has come under attack from social activists and is declining, though slowly.