NCERT · Class 10 · Hindi · Kshitij Poetry: KanyadaanWhy does the poet say that 'Do not look at your face in the mirror' in the poem Kanyadaan?

In the poem 'Kanyadaan', the poet Rituraj uses the metaphor of fire to depict two different aspects of life. Fire is necessary for cooking food, which sustains life, but it can also be destructive if it is used to burn someone, especially a woman for dowry or domestic violence. Through this statement, the poet is warning the young bride about the cruel realities of the patriarchal society. He wants her to understand her own immense value and strength. The poet advises her that while she should fulfill her domestic responsibilities symbolized by cooking on fire, she must never succumb to atrocities or allow herself to become a victim of domestic tyranny. It represents a crucial piece of advice given by an experienced mother to her daughter, preparing her to recognize potential dangers and protect her dignity, self-respect, and life at all costs.