Gujarat Village Passes Resolution, Bans Girls From Using Mobile Phones

A bizarre rule came into light in Gujarat villages, where girls are reportedly being banned from using mobile phones. The rule is being imposed by the Thakor community in Banaskantha district in north Gujarat. The members of this community have ruled that no unmarried girl will be allowed to use mobile phones. In case a girl is found going against the rule, her father will have to pay a fine of Rs 1.5 lakh rupees.

It is said that around 500 people participated in the meeting from nearby 12 villages. Some youngsters noted them down and circulated it on social media as a resolution.

Parents Will Be Held Responsible For Their Children's Actions

Also, if the girls are found violating the rules, their parents will be solely held responsible for their actions. The meeting that included some prominent members from the Thakor community also passed some more rules. Some of them include abolishing the practice of bringing DJs, bursting firecrackers and grooms  not being allowed to ride a horse in weddings.  “It will be the responsibility of the parents to see that a girl does not do anything to hurt the prestige of the community,” the reported resolution states.

One of the rules also states that no family, in which, there are disputes between brothers, will be invited to any community gatherings. These decisions were taken on Sunday during a meeting of Thakor community, at Jegol village in Dantiwada taluka of Banaskantha district. The community falls under Other Backward Caste (OBC).

The Resolution Was Circulated By Some Young People On Social Media

It is said that around 500 people participated in the meeting from nearby 12 villages. “I don't know if there is any resolution that was passed but yes we did discuss these issues in the meeting. I think some youngsters noted them down and circulated it on social media as a resolution. We know that phones are a nuisance but it is also important for everyone including young girls to remain updated with the world around us. We can't stop them from using it,” Jayantibhai Thakor, a community leader and member of district panchayat who was also present in the meeting, told Deccan Herald.

One of the rules also states that no family, in which, there are disputes between brothers, will be invited to any community gatherings.

Another bizarre tradition - Sister Marries Bride To Protect Brother

In a bizarre tradition, tribals in villages of Surkheda, Sanada and Ambal in Gujarat follow an unusual ritual of marriage in which instead of the groom, his unmarried sister participates in the ceremonies on behalf of the groom, all to “protect” his life, NDTV reported. As unusual as it sounds, the groom is instructed to not attend his own wedding. His unmarried sister or any unmarried woman from his family takes his place in the rituals and represents him. The groom stays at his own home with his mother, while his sister takes the ‘Barat’ (wedding procession) to the bride’s door, marries her and brings her back. “All the rituals that a groom traditionally does are conducted by his sister. She takes the ‘mangal phere’ with the bride instead of her brother,” says Kanjibhai Rathwa, local resident, Surkheda village. “This practice is followed in three villages here; it is believed that if we don’t follow this custom then some harm will befall,” Rathwa added.

Read More: Study: Indian Has Highest Gender Gap In Mobile Phone Ownership