Gold jewellery limitation extended to 25 villages with check on fast food and IMFL
MANSI BHAMBRI/Dehradun
Inspired by restrictions on gold jewellery during weddings imposed in two villages of the Jaunsar region in Dehradun district, 25 villages of the same region have not only adopted similar restrictions but have also extended these limitations to include Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and fast food at wedding functions. Public figures and prominent personalities in the region have welcomed this initiative.
Recently, the Maha Panchayat of Shaili Khath, which encompasses these 25 villages, has enforced rules restricting gold jewellery, along with restrictions on IMFL and fast food at weddings. The aim is to promote simplicity and equality in these ceremonies. Anyone who violates these regulations will face a fine of Rs 1,00,000.
Before these new restrictions were introduced, the Gram Sabha of Kandar and Idroli had already limited women to wearing no more than three pieces of gold jewelry during wedding events—a Mangalsutra, a nose ring and earrings—imposing a Rs 50,000 fine for non-compliance. The recent decision made by the Maha Panchayat of the 25 villages was influenced by the practices of these two villages, but included additional restrictions.
Former block Pramukh of Kalsi and a resident of Sawai in the Jaunsar region, Mathor Singh Chauhan stated that he played a role in formulating the restrictions for the 25 villages of Shaili Khath. He said that there are 39 Khaths (cluster of villages) in the Jaunsar region, each comprising multiple villages. The earlier restrictions on gold jewellery in two villages were aimed at promoting simplicity and equality, serving as a model for the new restrictions in the 25 villages of Shaili Khath. As per the new restrictions, women in these villages will be allowed to wear only three gold jewellery items – a nose ring, earrings and a Mangalsutra – but only during the Rohini Bhoj ceremony. Additionally, the restrictions include allowing only locally brewed alcohol while proscribing dry fruits and fast food during weddings. These rules were accepted and enforced by the Maha Panchayat, with the residents welcoming the move. Chauhan believes that this decision would help bridge the gap between the rich and poor and set an example for other villages, emphasising that decisions made with the residents’ acceptance are more likely to be effective.
“I truly appreciate and welcome the decision that includes restrictions imposed in these 25 villages. It will certainly address inequality and encourage simplicity among the residents. However, I believe that if such decisions are made with the consensus of the villagers, they will serve as an excellent example for others. Other villages should also consider and adopt similar initiatives,” said Jaunsar author and poet Nandlal Bharti.
A Jaunsari professional Kalpana Rathour said that while the restrictions during weddings are commendable, they should also be applied to those enforcing them. Many who impose these rules tend to hold their family weddings in cities rather than in their own villages, she noted.
