Srinagar

Sana Shabnum of Baramulla in North Kashmir has perhaps become the first Muslim bride to drive her husband to her matrimonial home as a strong gesture against patriarchy and for equality.

Sana and Sheikh Aamir were married on August 22 and as they posted the pictures of Sana dressed as a bride behind the wheel of Mahindra Thar and a smiling Aamir sitting by her inside the compound of her in-law’s house, it evoked a euphoric response from the netizens.

People showered praises on the couple and called Sana an empowered woman. Their images have gone viral on social media.

Aamir is a member of the Congress Party and an advocate by profession. He told the media that he wanted to make his bride feel happy on the first day of their togetherness.

I am for my beloved, and my beloved is for me. pic.twitter.com/UgsXjG2fSK

— Sheikh Aamir (@SheikhAamir_inc) August 23, 2021

One person remarked in response to the image of Sana driving Amir to their home, "It's like dulhan ne dulhe ko laaya (It's like the bride brought the groom home)." The couple were welcomed by the women singing Kashmiri songs to welcome the bride and men appreciating the statement made by the couple.

Aamir told Greater Kashmir, an English language newspaper, “I wanted to do something different to make her feel special on the special day of our life. I wanted to break the age-old stereotype of Kashmiri marriages where it is always someone from the groom’s side who drives the car. Everyone was obviously taken aback. People were surprised and a little confused, but overall, quite supportive.”

Amir said his parents felt very proud and happy when they saw Sana driving. “We have received a lot of appreciation; very few have criticized us, but that does not matter. I did this to make my wife feel special.”

Sana said it was Aamir’s idea and she too was first surprised when he asked her to drive.

“Aamir surprisingly said that you are going to drive and we exchanged seats. I was stunned when I got behind the wheel, but at that same time, I was excited as well. My husband motivated me to take the charge”, said Sana.

Sana said that her in-laws were more than happy when they saw her driving the car and leading the marriage party front the front.