For Uma Devi, 80, the new rule brings relief rather than restriction.
“Most of us here are poor and live simple lives. I believe the panchayat has made the right decision,” she told a news organisation.
Villagers say the trend of wearing heavy gold jewellery started about two decades ago, when a few men in the community landed government jobs. With improved finances came a new social competition, brides and guests began wearing gold sets weighing 180–200 grams, now worth over Rs 20 lakh.
Soon, lavish ornaments became a symbol of pride, and those who couldn’t afford them felt left out or embarrassed.
“People started judging a family’s respect by the amount of gold their women wore,” said one villager. ”It stopped being about tradition and became about showing off.”