Pakadwa Vivah, a deeply troubling tradition from Bihar, refers to the practice where a bride's family forcibly abducts a groom and compels him to marry the woman, often at gunpoint. This practice, although originating in the 1970s, has persisted despite the legal prohibitions against dowry. It is driven by the ongoing prevalence of dowry demands, which have reached alarming levels in the state.

The Dowry Prohibition Act of 1961 made the giving or taking of dowry illegal in India, but the custom still remains rampant in various parts of the country, especially in rural regions. In Bihar, dowry expectations, particularly for educated men with stable jobs, have skyrocketed. The amount demanded can reach lakhs, making it unaffordable for many families. The groom's employment status, whether in the private or government sector, as well as his caste, significantly influence the dowry amount. This economic pressure has led some families, unable to meet the dowry demands, to resort to extreme measures.

The tradition of Pakadwa Vivah is believed to have originated in the Begusarai district of Bihar during the 1970s. Initially, these forced marriages were somewhat accepted by society, but over time, they have become more exploitative. Criminal gangs have infiltrated this practice, using abductions as a means of profit. These gangs kidnap bachelors and orchestrate the forced weddings, further escalating the violence and coercion involved.

In 2024, Bihar reported the highest number of Pakadwa Vivah cases in the past 30 years. Despite the legal framework and efforts to combat dowry-related violence, the tradition endures as a stark reminder of the deep-rooted social issues, including caste-based discrimination and economic disparity, that continue to plague Indian society.