'Lakshmi Devi': After 200 years, Maharashtra family welcomes baby girl; newborn Gargi welcomed like royalty in grand procession, watch video

The arrival of a baby is usually a special moment for any family, but one family in Maharashtra decided to make the birth of a daughter an occasion to remember.

After reportedly waiting for nearly 200 years for a girl to be born into their family, the Dahifale family in Parli, Maharashtra, gave newborn Gargi a grand welcome. Her homecoming was marked by a flower-decorated chariot, drum beats, cymbals and a lively procession through the area.

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According to IANS, the family believes Gargi is the first girl to be born into their household in around two centuries, spanning five generations. Her arrival was therefore celebrated with a ceremony usually associated with royalty, with members of the local community also joining the festivities.

Baby girl Gargi gets a grand welcome in Maharashtra

The celebration took place after Gargi and her mother, Kalpana Rishikesh Dahiphale, were discharged from hospital.

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Instead of simply taking the mother and newborn home, the family arranged a special flower-decorated chariot for their journey. The procession was accompanied by the sound of drums and cymbals, while locals gathered to take part in the celebrations.

The family belongs to Parli taluka in Beed district, while the grandfather's native village is reportedly Kolwadi in Ahmedpur taluka of Latur district, according to IANS.

Family celebrates after five generations

The family said Gargi's birth was particularly significant because no girl had reportedly been born into the household for about 200 years.

Her grandfather, Limbaji Dahifale, became emotional while speaking about the occasion. According to India Today, he described the birth of a daughter as a matter of great fortune for the family.

He also spoke about the long-standing feeling that the family had missed out on the experience of having a daughter, something he believes has now changed with Gargi's arrival.

Grandmother calls newborn 'Lakshmi Devi'

Gargi's grandmother, Surekha Dahifale, was equally delighted by the birth. She lovingly referred to the newborn as 'Lakshmi Devi', invoking the Hindu goddess associated with wealth and prosperity.

The name reflected the family's happiness and the importance they attached to welcoming the baby girl into their home.

Gargi's father speaks about raising a daughter

Gargi's father also spoke about the happiness that comes with having a daughter. He said daughters often share a special bond with their fathers and described the experience of raising one as a unique source of joy. The family has also said that Gargi will be raised with plenty of love and care, describing their plans to bring her up "like a flower".

For the Dahifale family, Gargi's birth has become more than just the arrival of a new member. After generations without a daughter, her homecoming has turned into a celebration that the family says it will remember for years to come.


Inputs from agencies