In certain tribal communities across India—particularly in states like Jharkhand and Odisha—an unusual tradition continues to this day: ceremonial marriages between humans and dogs. While these aren't legally recognized unions, they're performed with all the pomp and ritual of traditional Hindu weddings.

Why Marry a Dog?

These ceremonies aren't about love or companionship. They're rooted in deep-seated superstitions about curses and bad luck. Village elders believe these symbolic marriages can ward off evil spirits and break deadly curses that would otherwise doom any human spouse to death.

The reasons for these ceremonies vary:

Astrological curses: People born "Manglik" in Indian astrology are believed to bring misfortune to their spouses. Marrying a dog first supposedly transfers the curse to the animal.
Tooth omens: In the Santhal tribe, if a child's first tooth appears on the upper gum, it's considered a terrible omen requiring a dog marriage.
Atonement: In one documented case, a man married a dog to atone for killing two dogs—an act he believed had cursed him.

Real Ceremonies, No Legal Standing

Despite being purely symbolic, these weddings spare no expense. Guests attend in formal wear, the "bride" or "groom" (the dog) may be adorned in traditional wedding garments, and all Hindu wedding rituals are performed. The ceremonies can cost families significant money—one 2014 wedding reportedly cost the bride's family considerable resources.

But here's the critical distinction: India's marriage laws explicitly define marriage as the union of a man and a woman. No country legally recognizes human-animal marriage. These ceremonies have zero legal status.

What Happens After?

According to tradition, the human "spouse" is free to marry another person later without divorcing the dog. The ritual is considered complete once performed—its purpose is to break the curse, not create an actual marital bond. In many cases, the dog continues living as a stray or pet, completely unaffected by the ceremony.

While these practices may seem bizarre to outsiders, they reflect the persistence of ancient tribal beliefs in modern India. The Ho tribal community in Odisha has practiced this tradition for over 100 years, believing it protects children from disease and supernatural harm.

So while you technically can hold a wedding ceremony with a dog in India, you're not getting legally married—you're participating in a centuries-old ritual designed to trick evil spirits into leaving you alone.

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