Dharwa village in Ronhat sub-tehsil of Sirmaur district has joined a growing movement in the Trans-Giri region to ban dowry, liquor and lavish marriages. A resolution, adopted unanimously on July 6 in the presence of around 250 villagers, reflects a broader shift across the Trans-Giri belt, where communities are rethinking long-standing customs to make marriages simpler, affordable and free from unnecessary financial burden. The decision marks another step in a grassroots level campaign that is steadily reshaping marriage traditions in the remote Trans-Giri region of Sirmaur. The resolution was passed during a gram sabha meeting attended by village elders, women and the youth and it came into force immediately. Besides promoting social equality, the initiative aims to discourage extravagant celebrations that often push families into financial stress while preserving the cultural essence of traditional marriages.

Under the new rules, serving liquor and other intoxicants at marriage functions has been completely prohibited while giving or accepting dowry has also been banned. Marriage processions have been capped at 100 guests and a maximum of 15 vehicles and serving fast food at marriage functions has also been prohibited. Families have been urged to avoid extravagant jewellery and costly rituals that place an unnecessary financial burden on households.

To ensure compliance, the gram sabha has prescribed a Rs 50,000 community penalty for anyone violating the resolution. The defaulters will also have to organise a traditional community feast while social participation in marriages held in violation of the rules will be discouraged.

Dharwa gram panchayat pradhan Reena Devi says that the resolution was the outcome of extensive discussions and unanimous public support. “Our objective is not to impose restrictions but to free families from unnecessary financial pressure. Marriages should strengthen relationships not become a reason for debt. We hope more villages will adopt similar reforms for the welfare of society,” she adds.

Dharwa joins a growing list of villages in the the Trans-Giri region that have embraced social reforms through community consensus. Demana had earlier prohibited dowry and liquor at marriages, setting an example for neighbouring villages. Pashmi and Ghasan villages later abolished several expensive customs, including the centuries-old Nevda ritual, to reduce financial pressure on families. Tauru village also introduced restrictions on liquor and unnecessary expenditure, reflecting the region’s growing preference for simple, dignified and socially responsible marriages.

Local residents Chamel Singh, Vijay Thakur, Kanwar Singh, Layak Ram, Pratap Singh, Surender Singh say, “Simple marriages will benefit everyone, especially economically weaker families. Limiting unnecessary expenses will preserve our traditions while ensuring that no family feels compelled to spend beyond its means.”

While the initiative has been widely welcomed, its long-term success remains to be seen. Similar resolutions adopted in parts of the Trans-Giri region in recent years have had only limited impact. Residents, however, believe sustained community support and strict implementation will be key to ensuring lasting social change.

The growing number of villages voluntarily adopting such resolutions reflects a gradual but significant shift in social priorities across the Trans-Giri region. Through community consensus rather than legislation, residents are working to curb wasteful expenditure, discourage social evils and preserve the true spirit of marriage.