Meerut: Retired judge celebrates daughter’s divorce with wedding-style band, baaja, sweets and pride

In a scene that felt more like a wedding celebration than the end of a marriage, a retired judge in Meerut pulled out all the stops to welcome his daughter home after her divorce, complete with drums, sweets, garlands, and a whole lot of love. The gesture wasn’t just personal; it was a loud, deliberate statement against the stigma that still surrounds divorce in many parts of society. Instead of quiet whispers and awkward sympathy, this family chose pride, celebration, and solidarity.

A Celebration, Not a Setback

When Pranita Vashistha returned home after her divorce was finalised by a family court on Saturday, she was greeted like a hero. Relatives gathered, sweets were handed out, and several family members wore black T-shirts reading “I Love My Daughter”, a simple but powerful message. Her father, Gyanendra Kumar Sharma, made it clear that this wasn’t about defiance for the sake of it, it was about doing what felt right. “If my daughter is unhappy, it’s my duty to bring her out of that situation. Her dignity matters more than what society thinks.”

The Marriage That Didn’t Work

Pranita had married an Army Major from Shahjahanpur in December 2018. But according to her legal team, the relationship quickly became strained, with allegations of mental, emotional, and physical harassment. Even the birth of their son didn’t improve matters. Over time, the situation took a toll on her mental health, eventually leading her to seek a legal separation. The family also chose not to pursue alimony, a decision that further underlined their focus on independence and self-respect rather than prolonged conflict.

Finding Strength After Struggle

Now working as a finance director at a judicial academy in Tejgarhi, Pranita describes her journey as one from fragility to strength. “I had become mentally very weak during my marriage. But my family stood by me. No woman should suffer in silence, stand up for yourself and value your self-respect.” Her words hit home for many, especially women who feel trapped by societal expectations or fear of judgement.

Breaking the Divorce Stigma in India

Despite changing times, divorce still carries a heavy stigma in many communities. Women, in particular, often face pressure to “adjust” or endure difficult marriages to preserve family honour. This public show of support flips that narrative on its head.

As per a TOI report, Ritu Tomar, a divorcee from Bulandshahr, called the gesture “bold and much-needed,” adding that it sends a powerful message:

• A daughter’s happiness matters
• Leaving a toxic marriage isn’t failure
• Families should support, not silence

Inputs from TOI