SHAHJAHANPUR: The 'nagin (snake) dance' is quite popular at Indian weddings, but attempting it on the dance floor proved costly for a groom on Tuesday night. According to witnesses, he was drunk and his cringe-worthy attempt at the dance, where people often slither on the floor and sometimes even make hissing sounds, was found so embarrassing by the bride that she called off the wedding just before rituals were to begin.

The groom's family tried to convince her but she wouldn't budge, finally forcing the groom to return home with his family. Since there was a chance of violence, police were summoned. A day later, the girl tied the knot with a more sober mate.

Tripathi, 23, was all set to marry Anubhav Mishra. Both families belonged to the same community in

city and knew each other. They had exchanged gifts and performed all the pre-wedding rituals, waiting just for the big day . And then Mishra did the dance.

Just before he was to be formally welcomed by the bride's family, the groom's attention was drawn to a `nagin song' being played by the DJ. He began to sway and dance as his friends showered currency notes on him. The bride's family, meanwhile, watched in stunned shock.

At that moment, Priyanka decided that the drunk man was not suitable for her. Neither persuasion nor threats by the groom's family and friends moved her. Finally, the marriage was called off.