Uttarakhand villages say no to big, flashy weddings—₹1 lakh fine for breaking rules

India Nov 24, 2025

Fed up with the pressure to throw expensive weddings, around 20 villages in Uttarakhand's Chakrata region have decided to keep things simple.
They've banned costly gifts, fancy customs, alcohol, and even fast food at marriage ceremonies.
Anyone who breaks the rules faces a hefty ₹1 lakh fine from the local panchayat.

Bringing back local flavor and community vibes

This move isn't just about saving money—it's also about celebrating local culture.
Instead of DJs and fast food, wedding feasts will feature traditional dishes made from local grains like mandua and jhingora, and folk music will set the mood.
The idea is to help families feel less financial stress while making celebrations more meaningful and rooted in tradition.