Pune: Maratha Community Announces Wedding Code of Conduct After Vaishnavi Hagawane Dowry Case – Simple Weddings, No Dowry, Social Boycott for Harassers

Pune, 4th May 2025: In response to the Vaishnavi Hagawane dowry death case, Pune’s Maratha community has unveiled a strict code of conduct for weddings, banning dowry, ostentatious celebrations, and pledging support for women facing harassment, with social boycott for violators.

Following widespread shock over the suicide of Vaishnavi Hagawane, allegedly due to dowry harassment by her in-laws, the Maratha community in Pune has taken decisive action to reform wedding practices. On Wednesday, community leaders announced a comprehensive code of conduct aimed at curbing dowry, lavish spending, and social pressure during marriages.

Key provisions of the new code include a complete ban on giving or accepting dowry, and the social boycott of families found demanding dowry or harassing women. The community resolved that no “roti-beti” (marital or social) relations will be maintained with such families. The code also mandates that weddings be conducted simply, without unnecessary displays of wealth or status, and that ceremonies start and end on time.

Women facing harassment from in-laws will receive full support from their own families, who are encouraged to stand firmly by their daughters’ side. The community has also decided to limit guest lists, avoid pre-wedding photo or video shoots, and prohibit loud DJs and indecent dances during wedding processions. Firecrackers, which contribute to pollution, have also been banned.

Wedding expenses will be minimized, and any savings are to be invested as a fixed deposit in the name of the newlywed couple or donated to those in need. Only one person will deliver a formal blessing, and felicitations will be kept to a minimum. Both the bride’s and groom’s families are expected to share wedding expenses equally.

Additionally, collective weddings are to be prioritized, and wasteful spending on extravagant ceremonies is strongly discouraged. The community plans to enforce these rules through awareness campaigns and local committees, aiming to foster a culture of simplicity, dignity, and gender equality in marriage practices.