Girl child born in family after 200 years:Baby brought home in decorated chariot, welcomed with drums and grand celebrations

A family in Maharashtra’s Beed district has celebrated the birth of a baby girl in a unique way, claiming that a daughter has been born in their direct ancestral lineage after nearly 200 years. The Dahifale family of Parli Vaijnath welcomed the newborn with a grand procession on Tuesday, complete with a decorated chariot, traditional music, fireworks and celebrations by relatives and neighbours. Kalpana Dahifale gave birth to a daughter at a local hospital on August 27. Her husband, Rishikesh Dahifale, along with other family members, expressed happiness over the arrival of the baby. Family claims no girl was born in direct lineage for 200 years The baby’s grandfather, Limbaji Dahifale, who works as the headmaster of Bhagwan Primary School, said that there had been no girl child in their direct ancestral lineage for around two centuries. According to Limbaji, the birth of the baby girl, whom the family affectionately described as a ‘Kanyaratna’ or precious daughter, has filled a void that had remained in the family for generations. He said the family was particularly excited because the birth was being seen as a rare and special occasion after such a long gap. Baby brought home in decorated chariot After Kalpana was discharged from the hospital, the family decided to give the newborn a special welcome. The baby was brought home to the family’s residence in Indira Nagar in a beautifully decorated chariot. The chariot was decorated with lights, adding to the festive atmosphere. Relatives, neighbours and well-wishers joined the procession as the family made its way home with the newborn. Traditional drums were played during the procession, while people danced and celebrated the occasion. Fireworks were also set off as the family welcomed the baby girl. When the procession reached the house, the newborn was given a traditional welcome at the entrance. Family members performed an aarti, while the entrance was decorated with rangoli, flowers and balloons. ‘Daughters are a blessing, not a burden’ Limbaji Dahifale said the family wanted the celebrations to convey a broader message about the importance of daughters. “Daughters are a blessing, not a burden. The birth of a daughter deserves the same dignity, joy and celebration that society usually celebrates on the birth of sons,” he said. The family also distributed jalebis among relatives, neighbours and well-wishers to mark the occasion. For the Dahifale family, the birth of the baby girl has therefore become more than just a family celebration. After what they describe as a gap of nearly 200 years, the arrival of the ‘Kanyaratna’ has become an occasion they say they will remember for generations. ​