Palwal: The Vaishya Agarwal community in Palwal has resolved to stop pre-wedding photography sessions, not allowing couples to mingle before marriage, stop holding Mrityu Bhoj (death feasts) and limit DJ and alcohol stalls at weddings.
The eight resolutions were passed during a Mahapanchayat (grand assembly) held late Sunday evening to help curb social customs which have become costly. Locals from Palwal, Faridabad, Gurugram and Delhi were present during the assembly.
Many rituals had become a status symbol and were causing pressure on poor and middle class families, Balram Gupta, convener of the forum and former municipal councillor told us.
No Mrityu Bhoj
The community have resolved to completely stop Mrityu Bhoj. However, they have agreed to limit the amount of chadar (cloth) placed on the bier during cremation.
People can give items such as gola (dry coconut), ghee, camphor or any essentials when visiting the family.
Limiting Pre-Wedding Sessions
During the Mahapanchayat it was decided that couples should not mingle and pre-wedding photo sessions should not take place.
Loud DJ’s cannot be used during wedding ceremonies and music played during the banquet hall must be within government guidelines for decibels.
The community will also encourage families to send invites via WhatsApp or phone call rather than costly printed cards. They can also give out invites with sweets and gifts.
They will also limit the amount of guests coming from the bride and groom’s side to between 300-400.
No Alcohol Stalls in Weddings
No open alcohol stalls will be allowed at wedding ceremonies.
The amount of food being served at weddings will be limited to between 21-31 dishes to reduce waste. The community will also encourage families to have their wedding ceremony including the phere (vows) during the day rather than night to avoid any unnecessary costs.
Limit Shagun Given To Transgender Community
The Mahapanchayat has also decided to limit the amount of shagun given to members of the transgender community to a maximum of ₹5,100 on occasions like weddings and children being born.
During festivals like Holi and Diwali it will be limited to a maximum of ₹500.
Those involved have promised to follow these resolutions within their families and share the message with other families within the community.
No Hurting Feelings
The Mahapanchayat was not organised to cause any hurt feelings but to remove rituals which have become costly and create a social burden on families, Balram Gupta told us.
“We want to encourage simplicity, equality and working together. We can only successfully put these resolutions into place if we have the whole community behind us.”