Breaking barriers: Bride rides horse as wedding ritual in Rajasthan

Nawalgarh (Rajasthan): It was a rare sight for the people of Nawalgarh in Rajasthan's Jhunjhunu district as they witnessed a bride riding a horse to mark the pre-wedding ritual of 'Bandori'.

The bride, Neha Khichar, is an IIT graduate and currently working as an officer with Indian Oil at Mathura refinery.

Ahead of her wedding, Neha's family made her do the Bandori ritual like a groom, to convey the message of equality between the genders.

"With this initiative, we want to convey the message that girls and boys should not be differentiated. Like a groom is made to sit on a horse for Bandori, we are making the bride do the ritual," said Neha's sister.

"My family wants to send a message that one should never differentiate between daughters and sons and should provide them with equal opportunities," said Neha.