Mangala ho

Mangalsutra not a must for Hindu marriage: High Court - saying it was not mandatory for the groom to tie a 'mangalsutra' around the bride's neck to prove a marriage between Hindus.
People take anything to the court. Jasmine does not wear any symbol of marriage (and neither do I). In fact I don’t even remember if I tied a mangalsutra. Might have... might not have, but one thing is for sure, she doesn’t roam around with it. I don’t remember if we gave her an engagement ring also. And the ring I got for my marriage is practically unwearable. It’s that ugly.
The story of that ring goes thus – Jasmine’s mom wanted to take my measurement to get me a ring. I refused to give the measurement saying I don’t want a ring. Why don’t they just take Jasmine’s measurement and give the dam ring to her. At least it will get worn. Also I didn’t particularly like the concept of getting anything from the bride’s family. My theory was simple. You can give whatever you want to her, spare me. I don’t even want to know. Then when I reached home my mom asked me “you didn’t give your measurement?” “No, how did you know?” “They called” “ya, I told them to give the ring to Jasmine. I don’t want any of it”. Mom figured it’s a futile argument with me. Dad took me aside and spoke something to this effect “I understand and appreciate your values. But also do realize that their parents have certain aspirations and dreams. Sometimes it does not make sense to fight it. You can always give the ring back to Jasmine. No body forces you to wear it.” … hmmmm… penny drops. I give measurement. I get a hideous ring in return. A golden ring with nine diamonds on it. I am not wearing that one for sure. What a waste of emotion.
Coming back to marriage symbols. I never did want Jasmine to wear any symbol that showed her betrothal to the world. It’s her choice. No sindoor, no ring, no mangalsutra, no nose ring.. On our honeymoon, she was in denims, t shirts and a back pack. So was I. Since this trip was not immediately after the marriage there was no mehendi on her hands as well. Amongst the places we visited was a beautiful temple village called Jageshwar in Kumaon. A very pretty temple complex amongst huge Deodhar trees. With very few devotees there was no jostling around the sanctum sanctorum while the evening puja was happening. We were along with one more couple inside. After the puja, we were making our way towards the hotel when the other couple (locals from around) offered us a lift to the hotel. While we got talking the guy asked me “are you guys hindus?” “yup we are” Jainism could loosely be called Hinduism I guess. “aaa, don’t mind, but is she… uu.. are you married?” “ya. She is my wife” “sorry, we were only asking because we were wondering because there is no sindoor, no mangalsutra, no nose ring, no…” I could only laugh. I told them we don’t have anything like that and we don’t really believe in it. What to do?