YouTuber Arun Panwar faces criticism for calling Rs 71 lakh wedding gifts ‘daan’

New Delhi: A video from popular YouTuber Arun Panwar’s wedding has drawn widespread criticism after he described gifts from his spouse’s family as “daan” rather than “dahej”.

The clip, shared widely across X, Instagram and YouTube, has triggered debate over whether renaming dowry practices alters their social implications.

The video reportedly shows Panwar accepting nearly Rs 71 lakh in cash and 21 tola of gold from his spouse’s family. Panwar runs 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.

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A post shared by Arun Panwar (@arunpanwarx)

Online commentators criticised the practice, noting that such displays can place pressure on less-privileged families who may feel compelled to meet similar expectations. Several X users highlighted the contrast between Panwar’s reported earnings and the substantial gifts he allegedly received.

Blessed to married a Man who didn’t take single rupee from my mother as dowry or “Daan”

He did all expenses of our wedding himself, never boasted about it

This is the reason I know how true and real Man behaves with his friends wife mother sister,in-laws and society. https://t.co/LRJQHhjVhC

— Minty Sharma🍹 (@MintOminty) January 31, 2026

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 deep instilled in them and it will be the reason why they don't marry anymore.”

On Reddit, users also expressed concern about broader societal patterns. One user commented, “Because it's 'culture'. The sorry part is that his wife is an accomplished surgeon. If educated people like her pave 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’.”

The discussion has renewed debate in India around dowry practices, cultural norms, and the social pressures placed on families during marriage arrangements.