YouTuber Arun Panwar faces criticism for calling Rs 71 lakh wedding gifts ‘daan’ instead of dowry, reigniting debate over India’s dowry culture in 2026.
YouTuber Arun Panwar faces criticism for calling Rs 71 lakh wedding gifts ‘daan’ [Photo: X]
A video from popular Indian YouTuber Arun Panwar's wedding has sparked widespread debate after he referred to lavish gifts from his spouse's family as 'daan' instead of the legally prohibited dowry. The footage, which shows Arun Panwar accepting nearly Rs 71 lakh in cash and 21 tolas of gold, has gone viral across X, Instagram, and YouTube, drawing criticism from viewers nationwide.
Rather than celebrating the ceremony, many online users highlighted the social implications of such practices, arguing that renaming dowry as “gifts” does not remove the economic and societal pressures it creates, especially for less-privileged families.
Arun Panwar is a prominent Indian content creator with a YouTube channel focused on cars, trucks, and sports utility vehicles. He reportedly earns Rs 20–25 lakh per month and has over 2.4 million subscribers.
Despite his popularity in the automotive niche, Panwar became the centre of public attention due to his controversial wedding video rather than his digital content.
Arun Panwar went viral after sharing a video of his wedding in which he referred to nearly Rs 71 lakh in cash and 21 tolas of gold received from his spouse’s family as “daan” instead of the legally prohibited “dahej” or dowry. While the clip shows the ceremony as a joyful celebration, the unusual terminology and sheer scale of the gifts sparked widespread debate online.
The video immediately drew criticism for reinforcing dowry culture, despite Panwar’s claim that the gifts were voluntary. Social media users highlighted the disparity between Panwar’s income and the lavish gifts, raising concerns over the societal pressure such practices create on families who cannot afford similar arrangements. One X user wrote:
“This disease is still running in 2026, even in elites. This inspires the lower class, and they come to think they, too, are worthy. Never saw any protests as this disease is deeply instilled in them, and it will be the reason why they don't marry anymore.”
Reddit and Instagram users also expressed concern that such practices normalize dowry even among educated and affluent families, turning the conversation into a broader critique of Indian wedding customs.
The controversy stems from Panwar’s description of the gifts as “daan”, a term meaning donation or charitable gift, instead of “dahej”, which legally refers to dowry in India. Critics argue that this semantic shift does not change the essence of the practice, which remains deeply problematic under the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961.
Several users noted the disparity between Panwar’s income and the gifts he received, emphasizing how such displays could pressure other families to meet unrealistic expectations. One X user wrote:
“This disease is still running in 2026, even in elites. This inspires the lower class, and they come to think they, too, are worthy. Never saw any protests as this disease is deeply instilled in them, and it will be the reason why they don't marry anymore.”
The backlash spread quickly across social media platforms. Reddit and X users expressed concern over the normalization of lavish gifts in weddings, warning that such practices perpetuate inequality and reinforce dowry culture even among educated and affluent families.
One user remarked, “Because it's 'culture'. The sorry part is that his wife is an accomplished surgeon. If educated people like her pave the way to such disgusting practices, then there's nothing more to say. I hope he doesn't torture her later on for even more 'gifts’.”
Another user questioned the enforcement of the law, “If this video is out, why aren't the groom and his family arrested yet?”
The video not only drew attention to Panwar himself but also reignited a nationwide conversation about dowry practices, societal expectations, and the loopholes that allow wealthy families to circumvent legal restrictions.
Experts argue that showcasing extravagant wedding gifts can create undue financial and social pressure on other families, especially those from less affluent backgrounds. Public criticism focuses on how renaming dowry as “daan” or gifts becomes a social workaround, allowing the practice to continue without stigma.
Despite the backlash, Arun Panwar has not publicly addressed the criticisms as of now. However, the video has already generated a viral debate, drawing attention to the persistent issues surrounding dowry and the role of social media in amplifying public scrutiny.
