Rev Natasha shares how she navigated dowry traditions in her marriage to an Indian man
By Paulette Mboga, January 30, 2026Rev. Lucy Natasha has shared how she navigated dowry traditions in her marriage to an Indian man.
On Friday, January 30, 2026, in a YouTube interview, she explained that, while they were both flawed, the biggest challenge was their cultural differences.
“Kwa wahindi it is the woman who pays dowry, kwetu it is the man,” she said, adding that understanding each other’s traditions was not easy.
She said her husband approached her with his intentions.
“He said, ‘I want to marry you.’ So nikamuuliza kwa wahindi… because me I did not have that understanding,” she explained.
He told her that if God helped them, she would need to bring the dowry. Natasha said she responded, “Na mimi nikamwambia kwetu, lazima pia ulete.”
Love and understanding bridged cultural differences
Natasha said trying to navigate the differences was difficult, but their love remained constant.
“So trying to navigate, hearing things that were so different, but we loved each other; that was the most constant thing,” she said.
She added that they laughed together and enjoyed each other’s company, which helped them understand each other better. She said the process also raised questions about their families.
“The dilemma was, will our parents agree?” Natasha explained.
She described it as a time of learning and compromise, where both had to respect each other’s customs while making decisions together. Despite the challenges, the couple found joy in getting to know one another and building a life together.
Natasha said that love helped them overcome cultural differences. She said that even though the traditions were unfamiliar, their shared commitment and respect for each other made the process meaningful.
“We laughed together, we laughed together, we enjoyed each other’s company. It was really nice getting to know this guy,” she added.
She encouraged couples facing similar situations to communicate openly and be patient with each other. Natasha said that understanding cultural expectations takes time, but love and respect can guide couples through the challenges.
She concluded that navigating such traditions is not just about fulfilling customs, but also about building a strong foundation for marriage.
Despite differences in dowry traditions, she and her husband were able to unite their families and create a life together based on love and mutual respect.