Uttarakhand Villages Ban Fast Food, Alcohol And Lavish Gifts At Weddings; Rs 1 Lakh Penalty Imposed

In a sweeping cultural shift across Uttarakhand’s remote Jaunsar-Bawar tribal belt, 25 villages in the Khat Saili region have unanimously banned fast food, alcohol, and high-cost rituals at weddings and other social gatherings. The decision, finalised at a recent council meeting in Doha village led by Rajendra Singh Tomar, carries a penalty of INR 1 lakh for any family violating the new norms.Rajendra Singh Tomar, head of the Doha Village cluster, stated that the newly adopted measures were necessary to prevent families from competing with extravagant celebrations and to alleviate the financial burden. By limiting displays of wealth, these resolutions have gained strong community support, with residents believing the simplified practices will make ceremonies more accessible to all.The ban covers items from liquor to modern fast food, which village councils believe are eroding traditional practices. Residents have agreed not to attend any function that violates the new rules, turning community solidarity into social enforcement.Return To Traditional Cuisine And CustomsModern fast-food items, such as chowmein, momo, tikki, pizza, and pasta, which were once common on rural menus, have been removed entirely from wedding feasts. Families have been encouraged instead to prepare traditional Garhwali dishes made from indigenous ingredients such as mandua and jhingora, a move welcomed by those advocating for the revival of local cuisine.The resolutions also set a strict framework for wedding exchanges. Only goat meat, flour, and rice may be gifted between the bride’s and groom’s families. The earlier practice of a married daughter gifting a goat has ended, and items like silver coins, dry fruits, or expensive tokens are now prohibited.According to the council’s draft, the intent is to curb unnecessary spending and ensure families, regardless of financial background, can host celebrations without strain. Village leaders said these changes aim to strengthen social parity and preserve longstanding customs that define the region’s cultural identity.Restrictions On Women's Jewellery ReinforcedThe new rules build upon an earlier measure adopted in October in parts of the Jaunsar-Bawar region, which limited the amount of jewellery women could wear at functions. That regulation has now been formally extended to all 25 villages in Khat Saili.Women may wear only three traditional ornaments: Phulli (nose ring) Jhumki/Tungul (earrings) Kandudi or Mangalsutra (necklace) Community elders say that the jewellery cap aims to discourage families from feeling compelled to spend on ornate gold pieces or elaborate adornments, a trend that had grown in recent years and added to financial pressure during weddings.Neighbouring Villages Follow SuitThe shift toward cost-conscious and culturally rooted celebrations is not limited to Khat Saili. In Uttarkashi’s Naugaon region, villagers in Koti Thakral and Koti Banal have agreed to ban DJ music and alcohol at weddings. Traditional folk music and local instruments will now be required at events, part of a wider push to restore indigenous practices.In the Chakrata area, villages including Dau, Doha, Chutou, Bajau, Ghingo, and Kaitri have echoed similar sentiments. Representatives noted that extravagant customs were creating unhealthy competition among families. Many villagers expressed relief that the new rules promote simplicity and help younger generations stay connected to their cultural roots.Together, these coordinated resolutions reflect a strong grassroots movement across the Jaunsar-Bawar tribal belt that seeks to reinforce tradition, reduce social rivalry, and bring weddings back to their cultural essence.(With inputs from various sources)FAQs1. Why have Uttarakhand villages banned fast food and alcohol at weddings? Uttarakhand villages aim to reduce unnecessary expenses, discourage competition among families and preserve traditional customs and local cuisine. 2. What is the penalty for violating the new wedding rules? Any family that serves fast food, alcohol or lavish gifts at weddings will be fined ₹1 lakh by the village council. 3. Which items are allowed as wedding gifts under the new rules? Only goat meat, flour and rice may be exchanged between families. Items like silver coins, dry fruits and expensive tokens are banned. 4. Are jewellery restrictions also part of the new resolutions? Yes. Women may now wear only three ornaments: Phulli, Jhumki/Tungul and Kandudi/Mangalsutra. This aims to reduce pressure to purchase gold jewellery. 5. Are these reforms limited to one region? No. Alongside Khat Saili, villages in Naugaon, Chakrata and parts of Uttarkashi have also introduced bans on alcohol, DJs and extravagant wedding practices.The Last Village On The Indo-China Border: A Guide To Mana In Uttarakhand