Sanatan Prabhat > Post Type > News > National News > Get married in a simple and traditional way, otherwise get fined ₹1 lakh : Khat traditional villages’ decision

Get married in a simple and traditional way, otherwise get fined ₹1 lakh : Khat traditional villages’ decision

Collective decision of villages related to ‘Khat tradition’ in the Jaunsar-Bawar region of Uttarakhand State

Garhwal (Uttarakhand) – Nowadays, exorbitant amount of money is spent on decorations, lighting, gifts, food, etc. in wedding ceremonies. In many families, this expense goes up to more than ₹1 crore. This has become a social custom in some States. On occasions, loans are also taken for this purpose. Money is being squandered to maintain social prestige, as well as for show and competition. A similar situation is also seen in the Jaunsar-Bawar region of Garhwal District. Therefore, a unique decision was taken here to strengthen social equality and tradition. 25 villages associated with the ‘Khat tradition’ decided to celebrate marriages and auspicious programmes with utmost simplicity.

Expensive gifts are completely banned

Alcohol, fast food and expensive gifts have been completely banned. The custom of giving a goat by the girl has also been abolished to encourage a traditional and simple ceremony. Those who violate these rules will be fined ₹1 lakh. Apart from this, the exchange of silver coins, dry fruits and expensive gifts has also been banned. As per tradition, only flour, rice and a goat will be given by the girl’s maternal uncle.

Rules regarding jewelry

Women will be allowed to wear only 3 traditional ornaments during ceremonies like marriages. This decision has been taken to ensure that economically weaker families are not pressured to take loans to buy gold ornaments.

What will be the benefits ?

Simple celebrations will ease financial pressure. It will also help narrow the gap between the rich and the poor. It will encourage social cohesion and traditional customs.

What is ‘Khat tradition’ ?

The Jaunsar-Bawar region has a traditional collective governance system called ‘Khat tradition. Under this, 7 to 18 villages are linked into a group. All important social decisions are taken with the collective approval of the villages. This system is led by a person holding the post of ‘Syan’. The ‘Syan system’ has been in existence since the time of King Virat during the Mahabharat.

Distinctive social system

The population of Jaunsar-Bawar is estimated to be 2.5 lakh. There are more than 20 thousand families here. 90% families here still live in joint families. In many houses, 40 to 90 members live together.

Editorial Perspective

In today’s world of ostentation, such decisions are welcome. It should be kept in mind that if all Hindu communities take such decisions, the Hindu unity will also be facilitated in a way.

Latest Articles