Marry within late grandma’s gotra

Vishal Joshi

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Tribune News Service

Kurukshetra, July 17

The Majra khap panchayat in Jind district has decided to ease some gotra restrictions for marriage. Its leaders have decided to encourage the community not to consider gotra or sub-caste of a grandmother, if dead, at the time of matchmaking.

Mahinder Singh Ridhal, pradhan of Majra khap, said today that they would not have any objection if the late grandmothers of the bride and groom were from the same gotra.

Restrictions on marriage in same gotra and gotra of mothers of bride and groom would remain in force as per prevalent traditions, he said. Khap leaders said they were trying to change with the times.

The Majra khap, formed last year, had dominance over 14 villages in the district. It got separated from the influential Kandela khap.

“The population in these villages under the Majra khap belongs to 12 sub-castes. Marriage is becoming a tough task due to gotra values. Khap leaders have unanimously agreed to take out at least one gotra while considering matrimonial alliances,” said Bijender Fauji, khap representative.

He said the khap would have no objection if anybody married into late grandmother’s gotra. He said the decision was taken unanimously by the social council in Jhanj Kalan village of Jind yesterday.

Ridhal said the khap had adopted a resolution to strongly enforce the ban on DJs, liquor consumption and firearms during marriage ceremonies.

“We will continue to sensitise various sections of society about female foeticide and water conservation. We have passed a resolution to observe post-funeral ceremonies with austerity and not to have any lavish lunch,” he said.