("a virgin's
gift") The kanyadan is a phase of the traditional wedding ritual in which
the bride's father (or guardian) legally passes her to the family of her
husband.
In a broader sense, the term alludes to the marriage of a
daughter to another household.
Because the bride is expected to be given without asking for
anything in return, this "gift" is seen to be extremely praiseworthy
for the father.
At the same time, the gap in status between the bride's
family (as "givers") and the groom's (as "takers") may make
this "gift" a very costly proposal for the bride's family.
See also Dowry.
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