Bajhang, Dec. 8 -- On Friday evening, a dozen horses carrying people in colourful attire headed to Raikoshi village, a predominantly dalit settlement in Bajhang. The horses were trailed by a crowd of about 300 people-jantis traveling to the bride's house to celebrate a wedding ceremony.

The crowd included ward chair Jaya Bahadur Malla, of the Bitthadchir Rural Municipality-9, and representatives from local levels. The house of the bride was decorated with flowers and celebratory flags. Ramesh BK, father of the bride, welcomed the group, offering tika to each of the visiting ensemble. The villagers lit up lamps in celebration.

Dipak Bohara, 22, and Rupa BK, 21, were tying the knot according to Hindu tradition. For a society where discrim...