A family in India celebrated the birth of a baby girl who they state is the first female offspring born in their family in nearly 200 years by bringing her home from the hospital in a grand chariot procession in Beed, Maharashtra.
The newborn, named Gargi, was welcomed home along with her mother after they were discharged from the hospital. The Dahifale family said no daughter had been born in the family for around 200 years.
Relatives and neighbors joined the welcoming parade with traditional drums, cymbals, dancing, and the distribution of sweets like jalebis. This was the first time that such a celebration took place.
The baby’s grandfather, Limbaji Dahifale, became emotional while speaking about Gargi.
“It is a great fortune to have a daughter in the family. For so many years, we had the regret of not having a daughter, and today that has been fulfilled,” he said.
Limbaji said he had treated both his daughters-in-law like his own daughters and was overjoyed to bring his granddaughter home in a chariot accompanied by music and dancing.
The baby’s grandmother, Surekha Dahifale, said the family had decided at the hospital to welcome the newborn with great fanfare. “We are very happy that Lakshmi has come to our home today,” she said.
Gargi’s father also expressed his happiness, saying, “People usually wish for a son, but the feeling and joy of having a daughter is different. Daughters are more attached to their fathers. We will raise our daughter like a flower.”
Social activist Anant Ingle praised the family for celebrating the birth, saying that sections of society still hold a narrow mindset towards the birth of daughters. He said the Dahifale family had sent a positive message by celebrating Gargi’s arrival.
Content contributed by Rohidas Lahudas Hatagale, Raya Ghosh, reported from Beed, Maharashtra, India, sourced by India Today
