India (Commonwealth Union)_ Kanthar and Idroli, two villages in Uttarakhand‘s Jaunsar-Bawar district, have passed a new law that limits the amount of jewelry women can wear at weddings. The decision, made cooperatively by the local panchayat (village council), aims to relieve societal pressure and prevent families from sliding into debt as a result of excessive wedding costs. The new community code allows women, whether brides or guests, to wear only three pieces of gold jewelry: a nose ring (phuuli), earrings (bundey), and a bridal necklace (mangalsutra or thali). Anyone found breaking this rule will face a fine of ₹50,000. The move, described as “historic” by local leaders, is seen as a way to restore balance and equality in village life.
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The rule was passed unanimously during a recent council meeting in Kanthar village, a small mountain community in Uttarakhand’s remote Garhwal division. The council said the decision is meant to protect poorer families from excessive spending and from feeling pressured to imitate wealthier ones. “The rising cost of gold has made it impossible for many families to keep up,” explained one village elder. “Marriage is a sacred ritual, not a competition of wealth.” Residents of the region say that social expectations have grown heavier in recent years. Expensive gold jewelry and lavish celebrations have become symbols of prestige, even in small villages. This, they say, has forced many families to borrow money or spend their life savings just to meet these expectations. The new bylaw, they hope, will change that trend and make weddings simpler and more meaningful.
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The panchayat’s decision has been welcomed by most villagers, especially women. Uma Devi, an elderly resident, told reporters that the rule is a relief. “Gold has become so costly now. We cannot afford it like before,” she said. “This rule will stop the unnecessary pressure on families like ours and promote equality in society.” The move also reflects a growing sense of social responsibility within rural communities. Local leaders say they wanted to create a fairer and more peaceful environment, where celebrations focus on relationships rather than wealth. “This is not about stopping traditions,” said one council member. “It’s about bringing back the real meaning of those traditions—simplicity and unity.”
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Observers have praised the step as a strong example of grassroots governance and community-driven reform. The villages of Kanthar and Idroli have demonstrated that local bodies can take effective action to control wasteful spending and reduce inequality without outside intervention. Social workers in the region feel that this program will motivate other sections of Uttarakhand to take similar action. Furthermore, the timing of the decision is also important. Gold prices have reached a record high of ₹1.22 lakh for 10 grams, making jewelry unaffordable for middle- and low-income families. In such cases, many villages see the new law as sensible and timely. It reduces financial burden and ensures that all families, regardless of income, can enjoy weddings in dignity.
Local elders also aim to promote awareness through community meetings, ensuring that everyone understands the logic behind the decision. Furthermore, the Kanthar and Idroli tribes’ efforts reflect a minor but significant shift in society’s ideals. In an era when weddings are often associated with grandeur and excess, this small mountain village has embraced a different approach centered on equality, modesty, and shared joy.
